Department: Political Science, Economics, Sociology

Natalie Davis

Professor of Political Science and Pre-Law Advisor

Office:

Harbert 315

Contact Information:

Birmingham-Southern College
Box 549007
900 Arkadelphia Rd
Birmingham, AL 35254
Office Phone: (205) 226-4837
Office Fax: (205) 226-4847
E-mail: ndavis@bsc.edu

Brief Career Background:

Dr. Davis joined the faculty in 1972. Her fields of interest include comparative politics, specializing in Europe, Southern politics, and research methodology. Davis is a public opinion expert, who conducts political polls in Alabama and throughout the South. She is quoted regularly in publications such as the New York Times and Washington Post and, over the years, has appeared on all of the national networks. Dr. Davis was a candidate for the U.S. Senate in 1996.

Educational Background:

Dr. Davis holds a Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and undergraduate degree from Stetson University, and an honorary doctorate from Stetson.

Areas of Academic Interest:

N/S

Courses Taught:

PS238 Introduction to Comparative Politics (1)
Development and application of a theoretical framework for the comparative study of government and politics. Western European countries provide the substantive material for this course (an IC designated course).

PS304 Research Methodology (1)
The scientific method applied to social and political phenomena: formulating hypotheses; techniques for collecting data, measuring variables, and interpreting research findings. The course includes a laboratory in which statistical procedures are applied, interpreted, and documented through completion of a significant research project. Also listed as SO 304, this course may be counted for credit in either political science or sociology. Prerequisite: PS 204.

PS325 Contemporary Southern Politics (1)
An in-depth review of the literature on Southern politics as well as an opportunity for students to complete original research. Primary emphasis is placed on contemporary Southern political behavior, including parties and elections, voting behavior, and the politics of race.

PS333 Politics, The Media, and American Democracy (1)
An advanced course exploring the relationship between politics, media, and mass publics. Emphasis is placed on key issues that are implicit in this discussion: How influential are the media? Do the media create or simply mirror our politics? Do they control political elections or facilitate them? What influence, if any, does the public have on the content of the mass media, and how do the media affect the lives of people? To what extent have new technologies changed the basic nature of American politics? Do the media play a role in how we define democracy and democratic values? This course is not open to students who have taken PS 195. Prerequisites: PS 101 and sophomore standing, or consent.

PS340 Comparative Elite Behavior (1)
A cross-national survey of political, social, and economic elites with emphasis on industrialized societies. Topics include leadership, who governs, belief systems, recruitment, socialization, and elite-mass relationships (a Leadership Studies designated course)

PS470 Seminar for Majors (1)
Prerequisite: senior standing.

PPM551 Financial Management