91³Ô¹Ï

Regular Decision deadline: Feb. 15 — Apply now
91³Ô¹Ï Professor John Dietrich speaks into a microphone.
91³Ô¹Ï Professor John Dietrich speaks into a microphone.

Politics, Law, and Society

91³Ô¹Ï’s Politics, Law, and Society Department offers diverse courses and programs that help students understand complex political, legal, and social issues, while also developing the skills needed to address these challenges and make a positive impact on the world.

About This Department

The Politics, Law, and Society Department provides students with unique, multidisciplinary opportunities to develop into civically engaged citizens who actively participate in their communities and are dedicated to promoting social, economic, and political change.

We are home to leading scholars and accomplished authors in fields such as international politics, U.S. presidency, health law, sociology, and anthropology. Our faculty members provide students with dedicated guidance and mentoring, encouraging them to develop individual interests and preparing them to become impactful leaders in their communities. 

Majors:

Politics and Law, Sociology and Anthropology

Minors:

Legal Studies, Global Studies, Political Science, Sociology

Our Faculty

Our faculty bring a wealth of knowledge that offers unique perspectives on pressing global issues, historical contexts, and emerging trends. Their expertise will help you dissect ideologies, theories, and challenges and analyze the dynamics that drive change and shape our world.

Katayoun Alidadi

Katayoun Alidadi

MBA, Ph D, LLM, MS

Associate Professor

Jocelyn Bell

Jocelyn T. Bell

Ph D, MA, MA, AB

Assistant Professor

Andrea Boggio

Andrea Boggio

JSD, JSM, LLD

Professor

Ilsabeth Bornstein

Ilisabeth Bornstein

JD, MPP, BA

Lecturer

Michael Bryant

Michael Scott Bryant

Ph D, MA, JD, MTS, BA

Professor

Mary Anne Clarke

Mary Anne K Clarke

MA, BA

Lecturer

John Dietrich

John W. Dietrich

Ph D, MA, BA

Department Chair
Politics, Law, and Society

Holly Dygert

Holly A Dygert

Ph D, MA, BA

Lecturer

Amanda Fontaine

Amanda Lauren Cecilia Fontaine

Ph D, MA, MA, BA, BA

Lecturer

Nicole Freiner

Nicole Freiner

Ph D, MA, BA

Associate Professor

Tristan Hightower

Tristan M. Hightower

Ph D, MA, BA

Assistant Professor

Richard Holtzman

Richard Holtzman

Ph D, BA

Associate Professor

Denise Horn

Denise M. Horn

Ph D, MA, BA

Professor

Judith McDonnell

Judith McDonnell

Ph D, MA, BA

Adjunct Professor

Alex Perullo

Alex Perullo

Ph D, MA

Professor

Kristin Taylor-Costello

Kristin Taylor-Costello

MA, BA

Lecturer

Ronald Washburn

Ronald Washburn

JD, BA

Senior Lecturer

3+3 Juris Doctor

91³Ô¹Ï and Villanova University’s Charles Widger School of Law have collaborated to establish a streamlined admission pathway for eligible students aspiring to pursue a juris doctor (J.D.) degree at Villanova University. Upon successful program completion, students will graduate with a bachelor’s degree from 91³Ô¹Ï alongside a juris doctor (J.D.) degree from Villanova University School of Law.

Learn About the 3+3 Program
The Bryant globe and the Villanova clock.
91³Ô¹Ï grad Allie Miller.
The Capitol in Washington at night.
A girl smiles in front of the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C.
Three men walking down the street in Washington, D.C.

The Washington Center

91³Ô¹Ï’s partnership with The Washington Center in the U.S. capital provides access to a variety of semester-long internships. Students participate in the work of leading think tanks, the White House, the Environmental Protection Agency, and more.

Explore More Experiential Learning

Where Our Students Go

Graduates of Bryant’s programs within the Politics, Law, and Society Department go on to prestigious graduate schools and are in demand by business, government, and nonprofit organizations.

  • American Cancer Society
  • Child and Family Services
  • Peace Corps
  • Rhode Island Governor’s Office
  • Teach for America
  • United Nations Humanitarian Affairs
  • U.S. Secret Service
  • Brown Ph.D. in Political Science
  • Dartmouth Master’s in Liberal Studies
  • Northeastern School of Law
  • UConn School of Social Work
  • Villanova Law School

Latest News

91³Ô¹Ï Professor of Sociology Judith McDonnell

The stories we wear: Professor Judith McDonnell’s Bryant legacy

Professor McDonnell spent 36 years making a difference in class and beyond

Ilisabeth Bornstein teaches class of students.

From life skills to student learning, Ilisabeth Bornstein focuses on building best practices

2025 Master Teacher award winner brings energy, empathy to legal studies, campus-wide initiatives

AI-generated image of human profile with a lightbulb in their head.

How to spark creativity and innovation: 4 tips from Bryant sociologist

Find a need to fulfill. Do not act alone. Get uncomfortable.

91³Ô¹Ï alum Kaitlin Sidorsky speaks at event.

24 victims a minute: Bryant alum calls for accountability in domestic violence policy

Kaitlin Sidorsky ’10 explains how women are most vulnerable

Maria from 91³Ô¹Ï.

A mission to create a better world: For these first-year students, making a difference starts early

From grassroots education to global research, two Bryant undergrads are already shaping the future

Bryant's Christian Pereira in the Academic Innovation Center.

Bryant student explores legislative-executive relations through undergraduate research grant

Christian Pereira ’27 analyzes how political communication can shape institutional behavior

Elijah Infante

Manifesting the ‘miracles of Elijah’ at Commencement 2025

For first-gen graduate Elijah Infante ’25, hard work, family support prove winning combination

Danielle Latty headshot.

Pursuing law school, Danielle Latty ’24 shares advice with Bryant undergrads

‘Being able to challenge myself and learn new, difficult material is my favorite part’

Bryant students in Jack Reed's office.

Political pulse: At Explore D.C., undergrads connect with policy-related opportunities

‘Students see firsthand how their future careers can impact large numbers of people’

Our Colleges and Schools

College of Business

College of Business

College of Arts & Science

College of Arts and Sciences

School of Health and Behavioral Science

School of Health and Behavioral Sciences