Political Science
Cristian Colwell '23
Why did you decide to study political science?
I decided to study political science to prepare me for law school. Ever since I read my first John Grisham novel at the age of 11, I have been fascinated by the American legal and political systems and have wanted to be a lawyer. No other major prepares you for law school and the legal profession as well as political science, thus I chose political science.
What are some of your favorite classes so far?
This is a tough one, as I have had great experiences in many classes. Two stand out to me: American Political Thought with Dr. Stronks and Immigration Law with Professor Mathisen. American Political Thought gave me valuable insight into the public discourse during various periods in America, while Immigration Law helped me to understand the nuance of the American immigration system, which is obviously a very controversial and hotly contested topic.
Tell us about a unique experience you've had or project you've worked on for your major.
This past summer I was blessed with the opportunity to intern in the legal department of the manufacturing corporation Kadant, located in Boston. This internship gave me hands-on experience with the work that corporate lawyers do and allowed me to explore New England and many of its historical sites. My co-workers were all very kind to me, and I made many great friendships and connections throughout the summer.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about majoring in political science?
I recommend two things. First, read the news every day. Keeping up with contemporary political affairs is crucial to success as a political science major at Whitworth and allows one to draw connections between the material they are learning and current political happenings. Second, learn to become an excellent writer. Most of the political science classes at Whitworth are very writing-intensive, thus being an excellent writer helps one to produce their best schoolwork.
What's your dream job?
I think my dream job is to be a corporate lawyer in either New York City or Boston. However, serving as a member of Congress would be very interesting. I had the opportunity to intern for U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers in spring 2021, and I found her job to be both meaningful and fascinating. The congresswomen gets to connect with her constituents and take their concerns and desires to Capitol Hill. Having the opportunity to represent one's community in the House of Representatives would be a great honor, and, while a lofty goal, is something that I would love to do in the future.
What's something that surprised you or might surprise other students about your major?
Something that surprised me about the political science major was how much of the coursework relates to philosophy. The Whitworth Political Science Department does not simply teach one facts about various political institutions, it forces one to think deeply about the values and ideas that underlie said political institutions and to question how we can better those institutions in the name of justice and efficiency.
Who has been an important connection for you at Whitworth, and why?
Dr. Stronks, one of the political science professors, has been an immense blessing to me throughout my time at Whitworth. From helping me get great internships to meeting and discussing contemporary political and legal issues with me, she has helped me to make the most of my time at Whitworth and to grow both in intellect and in character.
Why did you choose to attend Whitworth?
I chose to attend Whitworth because of the terrific academic reputation that the institution has and because of its excellent men's basketball program. I played basketball for my first two years at Whitworth and had a blast but chose to use my final two years to pursue other passions.
How would you describe Whitworth?
I would describe Whitworth as a very tight-knit yet heterogenous community. While one becomes familiar with a significant portion of the student body and faculty by their senior year, Whitworth has opportunities to satisfy students of all kinds of different backgrounds and tastes. From intramurals to frolfing groups, Whitworth has something to offer for everyone.
Courtney Iseman '23
Why did you decide to study political science?
Through my high school government class and my participation in debate, I found that political science is an amalgamation of many disciplines. Laws and public policy reach every corner of life. Political action takes many factors into account, like philosophy, sociology, psychology, medical science, history and economics. I adore political science for this reason. When studying political science, a student is faced with societal endeavors, and I find great interest in pondering political means to relieve these problems. I see a tremendous empathic side of political science, in which people come together to find resolutions for the public good.
What are some of your favorite classes so far?
African Politics with Dr. Megan Hershey and Gender, Politics & Law with Dr. Julia Stronks have been my favorite political science classes at Whitworth. In African Politics, the class learned about the political history of Africa to the modern-day political status quo. With Dr. Hershey's engaging teaching about African politics, I came to adore studying the politics of the continent. With many varying political methods, problems and solutions, the politics of Africa are very diverse. Gender, Politics & Law is a class that I am currently taking and deeply enjoy because it makes students ponder about how to best enact equality in political policies.
Tell us about a unique experience or project you've worked on for your major.
I have experienced a plethora of opportunities through the political science department. One experience I am grateful for is my job as a research assistant for the department. In my work, I create abstracts for articles about faithful lawyering. This opportunity has allowed me to ponder my future career in law, as a person of faith. The research delves into the unique experiences of lawyers of faith, and the benefits faith can have in legal work.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about majoring in political science?
Go for it! If you are interested in means to make society a better place through public action, political science is the major to choose. Political science majors can take many paths, from legal work to working as a campaign manager.
What's your dream job?
With my love for law and my commitment toward the betterment of society, I desire to become a criminal defense lawyer. My passion involves fixing the holes in the bail system in order to create a strong foundation for criminal justice. Organizations that inspire me include the Equal Justice Initiative and the NAACP's Bail Project.
Who has been an important connection for you at Whitworth, and why?
Dr. Julia Stronks has been an amazing connection for me in the political science department. She is invested in political science students in their pursuit of reaching their goals. She is a beacon of knowledge when it comes to programs and opportunities for students.
What's something that surprised you or might surprise other students about your major?
Political science surprised me by its amazing academic discourse. Political science is not to merely learn about governmental systems and laws. Students in this major have engaging conversations about how the world is and what the world ought to be, conversations of human progress with compassion.
Why did you choose to attend Whitworth?
When I visited Whitworth, I observed a university that is tremendous in opportunities. From various clubs, study abroad programs and internship possibilities, Whitworth is an astounding school where students have the ability to progress in their social relationships, academic skills, faith and career ambitions.
How would you describe Whitworth?
Whitworth is a place of multidimensional flourishing. Through my years here at Whitworth, I have flourished in my relationship with God, with others and with my myself, discovering my passions and self-identity.
Learn more about Whitworth's Political Science, B.A. program