Dr. Mark J. Richards

Welcome to my faculty website. I am an associate professor in the Political Science Department at Grand Valley State University. I received my Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Wisconsin - Madison in 1999. My research primarily concerns the U.S. Supreme Court and freedom of expression. I have also written journal articles on Supreme Court decision making in the areas of separation of church and state, illegal search and seizure, and administrative law.

As a teacher, I emphasize the development of analytic reading and writing skills, participatory learning, simulations, vigorous discussion, freedom of expression and inquiry, student research, electronic research skills, and above all, individual responsibility for one's education. I have been recognized by GVSU with a Pew Teaching Excellence award.

My course blog is:

 

http://freespeechpolitics.blogspot.com/

 

This site contains links to my academic profile, my pre-law FAQ, course information, lecture notes and office hours.


I post frequently on GV PS, a blog on GVSU Political Science, International Relations, and Pre-law:

 

http://gvps.typepad.com/


Contact Information
Mark J. Richards, Ph.D.
Associate Professor & Chair, Department of Political Science
1106 Au Sable Hall
1 Campus Drive
Allendale, MI 49401
richardm@gvsu.edu
616-331-3457