Political science faculty grows

The political science department welcomes Dr. Rosemary “Rosie” Cowan, Ph.D.

Cowan hails from Lisburm, northern Ireland. She is teaching justice in a pluralistic society, American government, and political theory classes this semester.

“I feel quite strongly about the integration of evangelism with social injustice… in terms of where I’m coming from,” Cowan said, referring to the conflict between northern and southern Ireland.

Cowan obtained her Ph.D. at Queen’s University in Belfast, northern Ireland, researching political theorist Cornell West of Princeton University. Then she moved to the United States to teach at California State University.

A year later, Cowan returned to northern Ireland and expanded her Ph.D. into a book, Cornell West: The Politics of Redemption, published in 2003.

Afterward, she returned to the U.S., where she taught at Rolands University in Winter Park, Florida, for two years. This summer, Cowan was in Northern Ireland.

Despite a delayed flight in London and a long bus trip from Texas, she has made it to her new office and is settling in with good spirits, though there is still a lot of unpacking to do.

“There’s been some moving over the last few years,” she said cheerfully. “I have liked it, though I may be getting a bit tired now. Too many boxes.”

Cowan says her teaching strategy varies depending on subject, but she does not give class long lectures.

“I like to have as much discussion going as possible,” she said.

Cowan said that even with some classes numbering almost 30 students, she would like to make room for discussion.

Cowan especially likes the study of political theory.

“The course on introductions to political theory I think is great,” Cowan said. “In terms of looking up concepts that are being used all the time, people saying, ‘I believe in freedom,’ and ‘I believe in democracy,’ and unpacking the totally different things people mean whenever they say that. It could mean things that are diametrically opposed to each other.”

Cowan presently lives in Narbeth, near Ardmore. She enjoys watching tennis and listening to Nickel Creek, Jars of Clay, and Copeland.

Cowan’s office is located in McInnis 239. Fall office hours are Mon., Wed., Fri. from 12-12:50 and Tues. from 2:30-4.