Political science is the study of constitutions, law, and government, at the local, national, and international levels, and of those things that influence the exercise of political power, such as individual interests and attitudes, norms, institutions, and culture.
On Thursday, October 22, Dr. Michael J. Faber delivered a fall lecture at the LBJ Museum titled “Examining the 2026 Midterm Election.” Dr. Faber discussed the upcoming midterm elections in its historical context, a brief overview of congressional elections this year, and an analysis of current polling data and methodology. The lecture concluded with a question and answer session amongst participants about the midterm election.
The LBJ Museum of San Marcos Lecture Series began in 2013 and is held twice a year during the fall and spring semesters. The lecture series brings scholars and public officials to speak on a range of historic and contemporary political issues. Past speakers from Texas State Political Science faculty have included Drs. Thomas Doyle, Ed S. Mihalkanin, and more
Dr. Michael J. Faber is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Texas State University. His research focuses on Constitutional Scholarship, and Anti-Federalism. He has authored An Anti-Federalist Constitution: The Development of Dissent in the Ratification Debates (University of Kansas, 2019), The American Frontier as State of Nature (World Affairs, 2018), among others.
Through October 14-16, Dr. Fields participated in a panel discussion titled “Trail-Oriented Development: The Next Generation of Placemaking” at the Texas American Planning Association Conference in Irving. Dr. Fields spoke about how he created the term and his recent research on how the concept is being applied in plans from around the country to a group of approximately 50 participants.
The Texas Annual Planning Conference (APATX26) is the annual statewide event for planners and community leaders, providing a unique training and networking opportunity. It aims to showcase the best planners, projects, and programs in Texas. The conference features calls for session proposals and sponsorships.
Dr. Billy Fields is a Professor of Political Science at Texas State University. His research focuses on understanding the key elements of resilient communities. He is the lead author of the Adaptation Urbanism and Resilient Communities (Routledge 2021) and co-editor of Transport Beyond Oil (Island Press 2013). He directs the International Sustainable Transportation Engagement Program, an annual study abroad program in the Netherlands exploring best practices in active transportation. Prior to joining Texas State University, Dr. Fields was Director of the Center for Urban and Public Affairs at the University of New Orleans and Research Director for the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy where he developed and explored the concept of trail-oriented development.
On Friday, October 23rd, four members of the Political Science Department were honored with “Favorite Professor” awards by the Texas Iota chapter of Alpha Chi, the National College Honors Society. Receiving recognition were Ben Arnold, Howard Balanoff, Mari Garza, and David Levy.
Alpha Chi is a national honor society, which promotes academic excellence and exemplary character among undergraduate college and university students. Alpha Chi is the oldest honor society at Texas State, founded in 1922.
For more information about Alpha Chi at Texas State, contact alphachihonor@txstate.edu. The national website (https://alphachihonor.org/) discusses the national activities, a professional journal for student members, its annual conferences, and national scholarship opportunities for members.
On Wednesday, October 14, approximately 200 students attended the 4th annual Midterm Check-In event hosted by the Department of Political Science. 9 university support departments attended to provide students with resources before registration for the 2027 Spring semester. Involved Departments included the Office of Disability, the Student Learning Assistance Center (SLAC), Career Services, International Student and Scholar Services, the University Writing Center, University Library, Health Promotion Services, Undergraduate Research, and the Counseling Center.
What began as a departmental effort to help students to connect with The Department of Political Science while exploring campus resources, has grown into a collaborative event that brings together campus partners committed to helping all students build their sense of belonging and prepare for the next semester. Student Development Specialist Melissa Rendon coordinated this successful event alongside key Graduate Instructional Assistants like Jaelynn Sifuentes and Maisha Ibnat.
Students were able to connect to campus resources as well as members of the Department of Political Science in preparation for their midterm examinations. Refreshments and food was provided throughout the event.
On Friday, October 23rd, Professor David Levy was interviewed by Nora Parkhurst of Texas State University’s “Office Hours” podcast. Within the interview entitled “Meet Dr. David Levy: From Music to International Law and the Classroom,” Nora and Professor Levy discussed his journey from studying music to international law, public service, and teaching at Texas State and why that proves career paths aren’t always linear.
Professor Levy explained his professional journey, offered advice for students exploring political science careers, and shared his experiences of exploring different interests and how they can lead to unexpected opportunities.
Professor David A. Levy is an Assistant Professor of Instruction in the Graduate Legal Studies program at Texas State University. His undergraduate degree is in music from Texas Wesleyan College, and he holds a J.D. degree from Southern Methodist University and an LL.M. (with distinction) in International and Comparative Law from the Georgetown University Law Center. He has published in the area of artificial intelligence and legal ethics, as well as comparative law and international commercial law harmonization. Professor Levy has significant work experience in the field of law, including working for the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law, the American Society of International Law, and the International Law Institute. Professor Levy has also held elected office as the County Attorney of Archer County, Texas as well as having served as Mayor of Archer City.
On Tuesday, October 6, the annual TXST Law School Fair was held from 3:00-6:30 in the LBJ Student Center Ballroom. Approximately 250 students attended the event, which was organized by Career Services and the university’s official Pre-Law Advisor, Dr. Ward.
The event allowed students to network with representatives from law schools across the country in order to gain insights on improving applications, admissions requirements, and the paths from which students might transition to law school.
For more information about the Pre-Law program at Texas State, visit the Pre-Law guide page here or contact Dr. Ken Ward at kw12@txstate.edu.
The Department of Political Science houses two academic journals, an international mediation newsletter, and two program magazines - Political Science's Alumni NewsWire and Public Administration's Public Matters.
