RICHARD
JOHNSON R
ichard Johnson has been teaching a unique political science class at Oklahoma City University for 19 years. “Election Seminar: Issues, Candidates, and Outcomes” is an eight-week evening course that gives students an in-depth understanding of campaign processes. It also examines election results and their implications for governing. Johnson invites local guest speakers such as lobbyists, professors, and political consultants to participate in the class, often during the most heated times of their campaigns. Students discuss both local and national political campaigns, elections, and outcomes, as well as the motivations behind decisions to go into the political arena. “This class helps students distinguish fact from opinion through free-flowing conversation,” he said. “The students can see biases in themselves they may not have realized were there and become more self-aware and reflective.” The class also allows students to make connections within the political community that could lead to internships and even employment within their respective fields. Because of OCU’s close proximity to the state Capitol, it’s an ideal environment for students to view the political system in action and interact with key individuals, Johnson said. The class isn’t only for students who are interested in entering the world of politics, but also for those who are interested in learning more about the inner 12 // FOCUS Fall 2016
BY KIM MIZAR Staff Writer
workings of the political system. “This class is a nice way to promote political literacy,” said Johnson. Johnson, who earned a Ph.D. from Arizona State University, serves as chairman of the Political Science Department. He has taught at OCU for 14 years. Previously, he worked at Northwestern Oklahoma State University. His research interests include the role of money in politics, political leadership, and legislative behavior. He received the Oklahoma Political Science Association’s Teacher of the Year Award in 1994. He serves as the sponsor for Pi Sigma Alpha, Young Democrats, and the OCU chapter of the Oklahoma Intercollegiate Legislature.
Past Guest Speakers Election Seminar Class • • • • •
State Rep. Jason Dunnington, District 88 Pat McFerron, founding partner of SMA Strategies Gary Huddleston, lobbyist Sean Murphy, state Capitol correspondent for the Associated Press Joe Hartman, owner/partner of Skyfire Media