Liberal Arts Research

The research conducted by the Liberal Arts Program is diverse, covering English, history and political science. In keeping with the nature of liberal arts, much of this research is aimed at the building of general knowledge and intellectual theory. For example, Dr. Bickham's research on 17th and early 18th century British-American relations and Dr. Work's research on the U.S. Civil War has added to knowledge and understanding in the field of history. Such works help us to better understand the past and its significance in shaping the world we live in today. Dr. Kent and Dr. Thornton are both active in public opinion research. Dr. Kent's research on the U.S. presidency and U.S. foreign policy serves to provide insight into the areas of presidential political capital, the importance of public opinion in presidential decision-making, and foreign policy decision-making more broadly. Dr. Bashir's research falls under the umbrella of the growing field of comparative political theory. Some of his recent research has been focused on Islamic and other Non-Western political theory and the politics of religion in general. This type of research can help one to understand current political conflicts, as well as predict likely fault-lines of future political conflict.

Other ongoing research in the Liberal Arts Program seeks to build upon theoretical models and then apply that research to current educational practices. Dr. Eslami has been actively engaged not only in the research field of sociolinguistics but also in applying sociolinguistics to English as a Second Language teaching and learning. Her research has included examination of cross-cultural pragmatics, interlanguage pragmatics, and comparing teachers' beliefs to student's beliefs in ESL contexts. The findings of such research can then be used to enhance current educational practices in the field of ESL.