A photo collage depicts various aspects of political science at the University of Notre Dame. Images include international flags, the US Capitol Building, students collaborating, a professor lecturing, the Houses of Parliament, and political science stickers with the Notre Dame logo. Gold stars on a navy background separate the images.

Advancing the study of politics through innovative research and world-class teaching

Notre Dame is home to outstanding faculty members who tackle critical questions about politics from diverse intellectual and methodological perspectives. We combine award-winning research in all major fields of political science with excellent teaching and a strong commitment to undergraduate and graduate mentorship.  

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Outstanding faculty

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Major in Political Science

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Ph.D. in Political Science

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  1. Amateur hour in Congress: How political newcomers fuel gridlock and government shutdowns

    November 03, 2025

    The public’s growing frustration with “politics as usual” has led more political newcomers to run for and win office since 2016.

    These “amateur” politicians, with no prior experience in elected office, present themselves as problem-solvers rather than politicians. Many come from outside government entirely – including business owners, military veterans and schoolteachers. Amateurs’ real-world backgrounds are often seen as assets by voters, donors and even politicians themselves – qualities thought to make them more effective in Congress.

    As scholars of legislative politics, we (Rachel Porter and Jeff Harden) wanted to interrogate that claim. And our new study reaches a different conclusion: Electing amateurs reduces bipartisan cooperation in Congress.

    Mentions

    Jeff Harden headshot. A man wearing a dark suit, white shirt, and gold patterned tie. He is smiling at the camera against a plain gray background.

    Jeff Harden

    Political Science

    Rachel Porter headshot. A woman with long dark hair, wearing a patterned brown and cream blazer over a white blouse. She smiles against a plain gray backdrop.

    Rachel Porter

    Political Science

  2. What Can Frankenstein Teach Us About AI?

    October 31, 2025

    Director Guillermo del Toro’s new movie adapts Mary Shelley’s horror classic, Frankenstein. It comes as the world is grappling with a new unpredictable creation: artificial intelligence.

    Guests Scott Collura, writer and editor for IGN.com.

    Eileen Hunt, professor of political science at the University of Notre Dame Author of the 2020 book Artificial Life After Frankenstein.

    Christopher DiCarlo, philosopher, educator and ethicist who teaches in the Philosophy Department at the University of Toronto.

    Also Featured
    Erik Brynjolfsson, Jerry Yang and Akiko Yamazaki Professor and Senior Fellow at the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered AI. Director of the Stanford Digital Economy Lab.

    Mentions

    Eileen Hunt headshot. A woman with shoulder-length brown hair, smiling at the camera. She wears a black and white patterned jacket over a black top against a gray background.

    Eileen M. Hunt

    Political Science

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