Meet Assistant Professor of Political Science Matt Rains, Ph.D., who joined the faculty this academic year and teaches courses including Human Rights, International Relations, Model United Nations, and Conflict & Peacebuilding.
Q. What drew you to your academic discipline?
A. I knew I wanted a job that centered on service to others. Getting my Ph.D. in political science, with an explicit focus on human rights, was an opportunity to help make the world a better place. Getting to teach classes on such interesting topics, like environmental politics and international conflict, was likewise a huge draw!
Q. Tell us about a fun class you teach.
A. This Jan Term, I’m teaching Model United Nations. It’s a simulation course where students step into the role of diplomats/governments meeting at the United Nations, working to solve real-world problems while staying true to their goals. The class builds skills like policy writing, public speaking and cooperative problem-solving. There are also plenty of dramatic twists and turns during the simulation, so it’s always a fun class to teach.
Q. What’s something great about the Whitworth Political Science Department?
A. I personally love the variety of courses we offer. There really is something for everyone – from the peace studies major interested in post-conflict justice and reconciliation to the political science student driven to run campaigns for their political party. Between courses preparing students for law school and teaching them to conduct independent research, there really are career paths for everyone in political science!
JUST FOR FUN…
Q. What might your students be surprised to learn about you?
A. Nobody will be surprised, but I am a huge national parks person. Grand Teton is my favorite park (obviously)!
Q. What’s your favorite spot on campus?
A. I’ve had some great meetings and conversations with people at The Pines Cafe – and the vibe is always fantastic there.
Q. Tell us about your pet.
A. My wife and I have one cat, Maple. She is a 1-year-old tortie and is somewhere between the sweetest pet on Earth and a velociraptor, depending on her mood!
Q. What artists or musical genre do you play when you need a pick-me-up?
A. It’s all over the place, depending on what the situation calls for. It could be anything from Taylor Swift (whose best albums are “Folklore” and “Evermore”), to alternative bands like Foxing, to metal groups like Pallbearer. I really do like all sorts of music!
Worth a Look 