Political Science

Teaching

Spring 2019

POLS 103 Intro to American Politics

The politics of the founding period; interactions within and among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches; the federal division of institutionalized powers; public opinion, interest groups, and political parties; the policy process in areas such as defense, welfare, civil rights and liberties, and international affairs.

POLS 302 Political Parties/Interest Groups

The structure and functioning of political parties from the local to the national level; organization, staffing, and policy development of parties. Pluralist analysis, group theory, impact of interest group activity on the American political system.

POLS 400 Senior Thesis

Research

Gaskins, Ben, Jason Barabas, and Jennifer Jerit. 2019. “Qualitative Quotes: The Prevalence and Effects of Survey Respondent Exemplars in Political News Coverage.” Forthcoming at The International Journal of Press/Politics.

 

Gaskins, Ben, Todd Lochner, Ellen Seljan, Katie Kowal, Zane Dundon, & Maya Gold. 2019. “From the FEC to the Ballot Box: Voter Accountability for Campaign Finance Law Violations.” Forthcoming at American Politics Research.

 

Gaskins, Ben. 2019. “The Effects of Religious Attendance and Evangelical Identification on Media Perception and Political Knowledge.” Politics & Religion 12(2): 346–384.

 

Clifford, Scott & Ben Gaskins. 2016. “Trust Me, I Believe in God: Candidate Religiousness as a Signal of Trustworthiness.” American Politics Research 44(6) 1066–1097.

 

Beard, T. Randolph, Robert B. Ekelund Jr., George S. Ford, Ben Gaskins, & Robert D. Tollison. 2013. “Secularism, Religion, and Political Choice in the United States.” Politics & Religion 6(4): 753 – 777.

Gaskins, Ben, Matt Golder, & David Siegel. 2013. “Religious Participation and Economic Conservatism.” American Journal of Political Science 57(4): 823-840.

Gaskins, Ben, Matt Golder, & David Siegel. 2013. “Religious Participation, Social Conservatism, and Human Development.” Journal of Politics 75(4): 1125-1141

Gaskins, Benjamin and Jennifer Jerit. 2012. “Internet News: Is it a Replacement for Traditional Media Outlets?” 2012. The International Journal of Press/Politics 17(2): 190-213.

Academic Credentials

B.A. in Political Science and Music, Furman University (2006)
M.S. in Political Science, Florida State University (2008)
Ph.D. in Political Science, Florida State University (2011)