Department: Political Science, Economics, Sociology

Mary-Kate Lizotte

Assistant Professor of Political Science

Office:

Harbert 312

Contact Information:

Birmingham-Southern College
Box 549007
900 Arkadelphia Rd
Birmingham, AL 35254
Office Phone: (205) 226-7788
Office Fax: (205) 226-4847
E-mail: mlizotte@bsc.edu

Brief Career Background:

Assistant Professor at BSC since Fall 2009

Educational Background:

Ph.D.: Political Science, 2009, Stony Brook University Examination Fields: Methodology, Political Psychology, and American Politics
Dissertation: The Dynamics and Origins of the Gender Gap on Military Interventions
M.A., 2006, Stony Brook University
B.A., Magna Cum Laude with a double major: Political Science and American Studies, 2004, Providence College

Areas of Academic Interest:

My main research interest is in the study of women and politics, predominantly from a political behavior or political psychology perspective. I am particularly concerned with the origins and implications of gender differences in public opinion, often referred to as gender gaps. In addition, I am interested in media and politics.

Publications:

Lizotte, Mary-Kate and Andrew Sidman (2009). "Explaining the Gender Gap in Political Knowledge." Politics and Gender, 5(2): 127-151.

Huddy, Leonie, Erin Cassese, and Mary Kate Lizotte. (March, 2008). “Sources of Political Unity and Disunity Among Women: Placing the Gender Gap in Perspective.” In Lois Duke Whittaker [Ed] Voting the Gender Gap. Champaign, IL: University of Illinois Press.

Huddy, Leonie, Erin Cassese, and Mary Kate Lizotte. (March, 2008). “Gender and Public Opinion.” In Christina Wolbrecht, Karen Beckwith, and Lisa Baldez [Eds.] Political Women and American Democracy: Critical Perspective on Women and Politics Research. New York, NY: Cambridge University Press.

Courses Taught:

PS 101 Introduction to American Government and Politics (1)
A survey of research on the institutions of American government–the Presidency, the Congress, and the Supreme Court–and on political behavior at the mass, elite, and organizational levels. Questions of democratic theory are applied to the American context. Fall, Spring.

PS 300 Women and Politics
An examination of the political implications of gender in the American context. The relationship between gender and public policy is considered with a focus on a number of policy areas that have a notable impact on women. Next, extent to which gender influences political attitudes and behavior is examined with an emphasis on gender differences in public opinion. The final section of the course focuses on women's participation in political life including women as political candidates and office holders.

PS 304 Research Methodology
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.