What is political science? Please enjoy this video to begin examining this question!

Thank you for visiting the website of Benjamin Isaak Gross.  I am an Associate Professor in the Department of Sociology and Political Science at Jacksonville State University. I am also the Director of the Tocqueville Lecture Series and Co-Editor of Compass: An Undergraduate Journal of American Political Ideas.

At JSU, I teach courses in numerous areas of political science. This includes political theory, American government, research methods, international relations, introduction to political science, media & politics, science & politics, and comedy & democracy. 

My research examines perfectibility, modern science, and happiness. Currently, I am working on the thought of Jean-Jacques Rousseau and his paradoxes on this topic (e.g., why can some  engage in modern science, like Francis Bacon, to achieve happiness while others, like Emile, cannot). This research provides insights into our contemporary moment.

Please continue to visit this website for updates on my research and teaching. If you have any questions, you can contact me at Bgross (at) jsu (dot) edu.