Category Archives: Politics (National)

Donna Crane

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Donna Crane

Lecturer, Department of Political Science. (Photo by Jim Gensheimer/San José State University)

Donna Crane is a lecturer in the Department of Political Science. Her expertise is in women in politics, presidential campaigns, Congress and laws pertaining to reproductive rights. Prior to joining SJSU, she spent 26 years as a legislative strategist and lobbyist in Washington, DC, most recently serving 18 years at NARAL Pro-Choice America. She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from San José State University and a master’s degree in legislative affairs from George Washington University.

Phone: 408-924-5560
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Federal Government, Congress, The Presidency, U.S. Elections, Women’s Rights, Reproductive Rights, Federal Budget

Melinda Jackson

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Melinda Jackson Portrait

Professor, Political Science and Associate Dean, Undergraduate Education. (Photo by: David Schmitz/San José State University)

Melinda Jackson is a dean of undergraduate education and professor of political science. Her research focuses on public opinion and political engagement in American politics. She is an expert on polling and the importance of Silicon Valley in U.S. politics. She holds a doctoral degree in political science from the University of Minnesota, with concentrations in American politics and political psychology.

Phone: 408-924-5293
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Debates, Donald Trump, Election, Governance, Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, PACs, Politics, Polls, Social Sciences, US Politics

Robert Ovetz

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Robert Ovetz

Senior Lecturer, Department of Political Science. (Photo by Robert C. Bain/San José State University)

Robert Ovetz is a senior lecturer in the Department of Political Science. His research focuses on strike threats and labor movements in the United States. He has published books on the U.S. Constitution, the politics of the labor movement and the crisis of capitalism at the turn of the 20th century. Prior to joining SJSU, he worked as an aid for two members of the Texas legislature and as a public policy advocate. He holds a doctoral degree from the University of Texas, Austin.

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American History, The Constitution, Labor Unions, Public Administration

Ryan Skinnell

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Ryan Skinnell.

Associate Professor, Department of English and Comparative Literature (Photo by: David Schmitz/San José State University)

Ryan Skinnell is an associate professor of rhetoric and writing in the Department of English and Comparative Literature. His work focuses primarily on public rhetoric—how politicians, public figures, and average citizens use persuasive language to influence public policy. Dr. Skinnell is the author or editor of five books, including “Conceding Composition: A Crooked History of Composition’s Institutional Fortunes” (Utah State University Press, 2016) and “Faking the News: What Rhetoric Can Teach Us About Donald J. Trump,” (Societas, 2018). He has also published numerous essays in academic and popular outlets on rhetoric, writing education, political speech, fascism, and demagoguery. He holds a bachelor’s degree in english from the University of California, Santa Barbara, a master’s degree in english from California State University, Northridge and a doctoral degree in rhetoric, composition, and linguistics from Arizona State University.

Phone: 408-924-4207
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Politics, Rhetoric, Political Speech

Tom Moriarty

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Tom Moriarty

Professor, English, Director of the Writing Across the Curriculum. (Photo by Robert C. Bain/San José State University)

Tom Moriarty is a professor of English and Director of the Writing Across the Curriculum program at SJSU. His work focuses on political rhetoric and communication — speeches, debates, and campaign advertising. He is the author of “Finding the Words: A Rhetorical History of South Africa’s Transition From Apartheid to Democracy.” He holds a doctoral degree in writing and rhetoric from Purdue University.

Phone: 443-859-7218
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Debates, Politics, Rhetoric, Speeches, Writing