Story: Lisa Sollie | Photo: Cody Ingram
Growing up in rural Michigan, Jacob Snyder wasn鈥檛 particularly attuned to politics鈥� until the aftermath of 9/11 shifted his perspective in high school. That pivotal moment sparked a deeper interest that would shape his future career.
Now, two decades later, Snyder serves as an associate professor at UWA, leading a new degree in the College of Liberal Arts: Politics and Justice. This program is designed to cultivate future leaders equipped to navigate the complexities of political systems, legal frameworks, and global justice. By fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills, it prepares students for impactful leadership roles in government, law, policymaking, and beyond.
Snyder envisions the new degree as a steppingstone for students interested in law and politics, providing a more substantive foundation that enhances their prospects for entry-level positions in government and local non-profits 鈥� especially when combined with internships.
鈥淥ne great thing about UWA is its small campus,鈥� Snyder noted, 鈥渁nd the student-faculty ratio in our broad liberal arts programs works to our advantage. We truly get to know our students, allowing us to tailor coursework to their interests and open doors based on their evolving goals. Whether they鈥檙e eyeing law school or public policy, I can offer LSAT study guides and help identify graduate programs, guiding them in preparing for the Graduate Record Exam (GRE).鈥�
UWA offers two types of majors: traditional majors, which also require a minor, and comprehensive majors. 鈥淧olitical science is a minor popular among students majoring in English, History, and even Sociology,鈥� explains Dr. Amy Jones, dean of UWA鈥檚 College of Liberal Arts. She notes that while students across the university pursue political science as a minor, most are within the College of Liberal Arts. 鈥淲hen our students began voicing interest in taking more than the five classes offered through the political science minor, market research and data supported the need for the major. Then the university pushed forward to establish this new degree.鈥�
Snyder believes UWA鈥檚 new degree stands apart from traditional political science programs. 鈥淭his degree combines theoretical frameworks with practical applications,鈥� he explains. 鈥淚t integrates political thought, philosophy, and insights into everyday politics.鈥�
A standout course in this program, Contemporary Issues, underscores its unique approach. 鈥淚鈥檓 not aware of another political science program that allows students to debate and discuss current events in real time,鈥� he states. This course equips students with the skills to engage in contested political discussions respectfully.
Reflecting on his own undergraduate experience, Snyder recalls, 鈥淭he practice of engaging in political discussions was missing for me.鈥� He believes students are eager for these conversations but often lack opportunity and the platform to initiate them. 鈥淒emocracy takes practice. One of the key benefits of these courses is that students get to practice on the ground level. They鈥檒l be the ones making these decisions in the future; it鈥檚 about their future.鈥�
Last semester, in American Liberalism and Conservatism, Snyder guided students through contemporary issues, examining empirical evidence about the formation of political opinions. After discussing various problems, students were tasked with writing a paper advocating for a specific position. However, Snyder then flipped the assignment: he asked them to defend the opposite side. 鈥淭hey were a little uncomfortable at first but also excited. This intellectual exercise taught them that researching opposing views can enhance their advocacy skills. I believe it also tends to soften the strong feelings associated with hot-button issues and fosters a bit more empathy for the 鈥榦ther side,鈥� even amidst disagreement.鈥�
This approach to education echoes the vision behind the new degree program. When naming it, Jones and her faculty wanted to reflect a broader scope than just political science. 鈥淐alling it Politics and Justice indicates to students that they are going to learn about both the political system and the justice system. If these are fields they鈥檙e interested in, then this major will help them get there.鈥�
For Jones, it always comes down to the students. 鈥淥ur goal is to provide the curriculum our students want to help them be successful in whatever future career they鈥檝e identified.鈥�