By Meira Berkowitz, Staff Writer
Over the past year, Yeshiva University has seen a surge of student interest in political science, prompting new faculty hires and an expanded lineup of courses. The department’s growth highlights its ongoing appeal to students who are drawn to government, law and international affairs.
Department chair Professor Joseph Luders told the YU Observer that the new offerings reflect student demand for timely and relevant classes. “In response to growing student interest in political affairs in the last year, the Political Science department is excited to expand our course offerings, particularly on topics important to students, such as the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict,” Professor Luders said. “There are times when students really grasp the profound impact that politics has on their lives, and this is one of those moments.”
YU students can explore politics and policy through courses taught by faculty with diverse expertise. Among the new professors is Professor Aaron Zack, who is currently teaching “Fundamentals of Politics.” The goal of the course, he told the YU Observer, is to give students “some exposure to the main areas of study within politics.” The introductory course covers the foundations of political theory, international relations, political economy and American politics.
Next semester, Professor Zack will teach “International Political Economy” and “Introduction to American Politics.” His own research focuses on American foreign policy and international security, with interests in German-Russian relations, Hungarian-Russian relations and Hungary’s broader role within the NATO alliance and European security.
For Professor Zack, one of the biggest challenges in political science education today is adapting to new technology in the classroom. “Student use of AI is ubiquitous and tempting but using AI often leads to simplistic or mistaken analyses and rusty skill sets,” he said. “Developing a curriculum that ensures students rely on their own abilities and serious scholarly sources is necessary.”
Professor Mercedes Wilby also joined the department this fall and has brought a new dimension to the curriculum with her course called “Media and Politics.” Her interests span law, communications, science policy and government work, but what ties it all together is Professor Wilby’s passion for education and communication.
Professor Wilby told the YU Observer that she encourages students to approach politics with curiosity rather than certainty in order to explore “how media shapes politics and how politics shapes the media.” Recent class discussions examined controversies in media, government regulation and press freedom. “My goal isn’t for students to have all the answers — it’s for them to ask better questions,” Professor Wilby said.
She added, “I’ve already felt so welcomed, and I’m inspired by the dedication students bring to both their studies and their community. That kind of passion is contagious.”
Another new offering this semester at Yeshiva College and next semester at Stern College is “Political Psychology,” taught by Professor Ariel Malka, who has taught psychology at Yeshiva University since 2009 and recently received a joint appointment in political science. His course explores how political opinions are formed and how psychological and social forces shape democracy. Professor Malka has studied ideological divides, the role of identity in politics and public attitudes toward democracy in Western societies.
He sees his role as helping students connect current events to broader discussions. “The main source of challenge and joy in teaching is helping students connect today’s events to long-running debates about how democracy works and how citizens engage with it,” Professor Malka told the YU Observer. “This means avoiding excessive absorption in current controversies and instead thinking in terms of larger patterns.”
Students at YU are also beginning to notice the expansion of the department. Hayley Geiger (SCW ‘27), a political science major and aspiring lawyer, is anticipating a stimulating and exciting next semester at Stern. “I’m absolutely thrilled about the courses coming up next semester,” Geiger told the YU Observer.
Manny Ledewitz (YC ‘27) told the YU Observer, “I am glad YU has put an effort into improving the Political Science department and major, and I am looking forward to seeing what the new teachers and developments have to offer.”
The recent changes have opened doors for students considering careers in law, government and even journalism. Shoshana Fisher (SCW ‘28), who is pursuing a minor in political science, finds the opportunity to take courses that look beyond the United States to be especially meaningful.
“International relations are my favorite part of the Political Science curriculum,” Fisher told the YU Observer. “It’s easy to get stuck in a U.S.-centric mindset, and it’s fascinating to zoom out and get the larger global picture.”
Together, these professors and courses highlight the breadth of the Political Science department at Yeshiva University. From American politics and global economics to media and the Middle East, the department’s expanding curriculum empowers students to engage with the complex issues that this generation faces.
“We are particularly fortunate that the roster of Political Science faculty is excellent in the classroom, regularly getting rave reviews from students,” Professor Luders said. “I truly hope that students will be able to take advantage of these many excellent opportunities.”
Photo Credit: Yeshiva University