Politics

At Bennington, students work closely with faculty to design the content, structure, and sequence of their study and practice—their Plan—taking advantage of resources inside and outside the classroom to pursue their work. 

What are the meanings and drivers of democracy? How are inter-group and international political conflicts sourced and managed? What are the roles of institutional design and civil society in political development? These and other fundamental questions are at the center of the study of politics.

Through coursework and fieldwork, students develop broad appreciation and knowledge of political institutions, processes, behavior, outcomes, and developments at national and international levels. They learn to recognize and ask questions on fundamental political issues; critically and analytically engage these questions using ideas, insights, and tools from the pertinent scholarly literature; effectively communicate their work both in writing and verbally; and intelligently connect their work to broader contexts, including real practical world developments.

Student Work

Society, Culture, and Thought (SCT) Senior Thesis Presentations: Fall 2023

Ms. Fox Goes to Washington

There is Still Much to Do

Ali '15 Leads Peace Project in Pakistan

More student work

Faculty

John Hultgren

John Hultgren's work explores the theoretical and ideological foundations of environmental political struggles.

Rotimi Suberu

Rotimi Suberu’s research on Nigerian government and politics and international relations have prompted invitations to consult for the Nigerian government, the World Bank, the National Endowment for Democracy, Freedom House, and the Forum of Federations.