Political Science
Ellen Seljan
Associate Professor of Political Science and Department Chair
J.R. Howard Hall
Ellen Seljan teaches courses on American politics, Congress, parties and interest groups, public policy, and research methods. Her research examines trends in public finance at the state and local levels of government. Her ongoing work analyzes the effects of fiscal institutions on state and local finances, as well as municipal tax capacity. She has published articles in State Politics and Policy Quarterly and the National Tax Journal. She previously taught at the University of South Carolina.
Office Hours
Tuesdays 2pm-3pm; Wednesdays 11am-12pm; Thursday 12pm-1pm. Email or message on slack for additional appointments (encouraged & available daily!).
Teaching
Fall 2020
POLS 201: Research Methods in Political Science
MWF 9:15-10:15am
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.
Prerequisites: None.
Restrictions: Sophomore standing required
POLS 307: Government and the Economy
TTH 9:50-11:20am
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.
Prerequisites: None.
Academic Credentials
PhD in Political Science, University of California, San Diego (2010), BA, Drew University (2004)
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Political Science
Contact
Ellen Seljan’s office is located in room 331 of John R. Howard Hall.
email eseljan@lclark.edu
voice 503-768-7709
Ellen Seljan Associate Professor of Political Science and Department Chair
Political Science Lewis & Clark 0615 S.W. Palatine Hill Road MSC 12 Portland OR 97219 USA