Henrik Schatzinger
Professor of Political Science, Chair of Political Science Department, Director for the Center for Politics and the People and Program Director for American Studies
- Ph.D., Political Science, University of Georgia
- M.A., Political Science, University of Kansas
- B.A., Political Science, University of Kiel, Germany
My areas of specialization are campaigns and campaign finance, as well as the role of interest groups and lobbying in American politics. I think studying the interplay between money, political participation, and influence is both fascinating and important. Here are some of the courses I teach: POL 140: American Politics and Government; POL 222: Media, Politics, and Personal Power; POL 223: Interest Groups and Money in American Politics; POL 324: Campaigns and Elections; POL 335: Congress and the Presidency; and POL 341: American Public Policy: Process, Promise, and Performance. Some of my courses use role-play and simulations fairly extensively as teaching tools because they promote experiential learning, encourage creativity, and develop decision-making and interpersonal communication skills. With my colleague Steve Martin, I have co-authored the book Game Changers: How Super PACs and Dark Money are Transforming U.S. Campaigns. I am currently finishing a book on the role of outside money in urban elections. I also serve as the director of the Center for Politics and the People at Ripon College, where I have organized over 100 events to foster constructive political debate.