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.
Teaching
Fall 2019
POLS 201 Research Methods in Political Science
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.
POLS 420 Policy Innovation
Explores successful and failed public policy
experiments by state and local governments.
Examines the origins of policy innovations and
what factors encourage policy entrepreneurship. Introduces advanced quantitative analysis skills. Culminates in an original, independent research
project.
Academic Credentials
Ph.D. in Political Science, University of California, San Diego (2010), B.A., 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