Political Science
Ian McDonald
Adjunct Professor of Political Science
Ian McDonald (PhD 2009, Duke University) teaches U.S. government and U.S. politics courses, including upper division courses on Congress, the Presidency, political parties, public opinion, and the media, along with a graduate level course in research design. Professor McDonald was a visiting faculty member at Portland State University in Portland in 2010-11, at Lewis & Clark in 2009-10 and 2011-12 and the University of Portland from 2014-15. His dissertation Migration, Sorting, and Polarization in the American Electorate examines the link between geographic mobility and polarization observed among voters and Congress. He was lead author of the 2015 Portland City Club report on Minimum Wage policy in Oregon. His recent work looks at the effect of rapid population growth and representation in the U.S. House of Representatives and state legislatures. Professor McDonald also teaches courses on political transformation in the 1960’s.
Teaching
Spring 2019
POLS 201 Research Methods
Introduction to the methodological principles and issues in political science research, using readings within and beyond political science. Identifying variables and mechanisms, developing and testing theories, collecting and measuring data, and assessing a study’s ability to achieve causal inference. Introduction to different approaches to research, including experiments, case studies, and regression analysis. Strongly recommended for sophomores or juniors who have declared a POLS major, as this course is a prerequisite for thesis and some senior capstone courses.
POLS 307 Government and the Economy
A framework for analysis of the policy-making process. History, dynamics, and trends of major U.S. economic policies. The scope of American domestic policy; subsidies and aids to business,
labor, agriculture, consumers; antitrust policy and the Federal Trade Commission; public-utility regulation; natural-resources policies; full employment; antipoverty and defense spending.
Academic Credentials
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Political Science
Contact
Ian McDonald’s office is located in room 331 of John R. Howard Hall.
email imcdonald@lclark.edu
voice 503-768-7455
Ian McDonald Adjunct Professor of Political Science
Political Science Lewis & Clark 0615 S.W. Palatine Hill Road MSC 12 Portland OR 97219 USA