Katherine Gordon has been involved in Beyond Politics, Pi Sigma Alpha, and has worked as a research assistant for Professor Richard Maass (she helped him present his paper at this year's MPSA conference). Katherine has also worked as an intern with a Member of British Parliament in London!
1. What initially attracted you to declare a Political Science major?
-"I have always liked reading about politics and arguing about them at the dinner table, so after refusing to declare a major until well into my sophomore year at Notre Dame, I accepted what I should have known all along—that Poli Sci was the best fit for me. I found that the major offered the greatest variety of fascinating classes and a community of students who would challenge my beliefs and improve my education."
2. What do you enjoy about studying Political Science?
-"Political Science to me is like a good story—full of complex characters, interesting plot twists, and meaningful themes. My political science classes appeal to my eclectic interests by incorporating history, economics, philosophy, and more, and by giving me a more complete understanding of the world today."
3. What Political Science classes have you taken that have been of particular interest to you?
-"All of my classes have been engaging, but my interest in political oppression has made World Communism with Professor McAdams and Genocide in the Modern World with Professor Verdeja particularly fascinating. I also very much enjoyed Professor Kaplan’s Political Theory class, as it prompted me to reflect on the motivations behind my everyday choices and human nature in general."
4. Which do you hope to take in the future? And Why?
-"Sadly I only have two classes left to take for the major, so I’m considering Fr. Scully’s Senior Seminar about Leadership & Social Change because it has been highly recommended to me, and then I’ll be choosing my last class very carefully."
5. Where do you hope to go with this major?
-"I plan to do international postgraduate service for a couple of years after graduating, and then either enroll in some form of graduate school or pursue a career in international development. Whatever I end up doing, I know my ND political science education will greatly benefit me."