UMKC Political Science and Philosophy Department

08/27/2026

In a new piece in the Kansas City Star, Dr. Woodson and Dr. Leiter examine why Kansas voters decided not to switch to electing judges in the August primary elections. Looking at changes before and after the election, the new piece shows that judges may not have been the only thing on the mind of voters when casting their ballots.

Why Kansas voted no on electing Supreme Court justices might surprise you | Opinion
A new study shows how the campaign against the referendum worked — and it wasn’t about political partisanship. | Opinion
Read more in the full story: bit.ly/46aI3GJ

08/05/2026

Welcome back, PSP Roos! We are kicking off the hot new semester with ice cold treats! Join us on August 26 for classic ice cream truck treats and tunes from 1-2:30pm in the Cherry Hall 4th Floor Lounge. C'mon out and meet other political science and philosophy majors, minors, and faculty. Learn about department plans and opportunities for the upcoming year.

07/30/2026

In a new piece for the Kansas City Star, UMKC political science professor Greg Vonnahme and UMKC political science undergraduate researchers Sahar Faizan and Sarah Johnson examine the impact of the proposed changes to the Missouri constitutional amendment process. The results might surprise you!
https://www.kansascity.com/opinion/article316688870.html

UMKC School of Humanities and Social Sciences Undergraduate Research-UMKC

Political scientists at UMKC looked at whether a yes vote would affect politics in the state. Their conclusions were surprising. | Opinion

07/16/2026

Hey we get it - between the economy, wars, the job market, politics, etc, life is stressful! Join Professor Bruce Bubacz this fall for Phil 480 to learn the ancient Greek approach to living a well-reasoned life and finding peace in even the most tumultuous of times.

07/16/2026

Did you know that you can earn credit toward your degree while preparing for the LSAT? At UMKC, you can! Pol-Sci 377, offered this fall is a one credit hour college course focused on analytical reasoning, logical reasoning, and reading comprehension - the very skills the LSAT is designed to measure.
With Greg Vonnahme, UMKC School of Humanities and Social Sciences, UMKC Career Services, UMKC Pi Sigma Alpha

07/04/2026

Happy Fourth, PSP Roos! Join us this fall for great classes and discussions about American Politics and Philosophy: where we’ve been, where we are, and where we are going. Share with us how you are celebrating!

07/04/2026

Happy Fourth, PSP Roos! As America hits its 250th birthday, join us this fall for great classes and discussions on American politics and philosophy: where we’ve been, where we are, and where we’re going. Now share with us- what’s your Fourth of July celebration look like?

06/19/2026

Congrats to the Truman Good Neighbor Award Winners!

05/15/2026

We have so much to celebrate! From our fantastic grads, our amazing faculty and staff, and our incredible students, we had a great 2026! More great news from Roos as we wrap up the school year.

05/15/2026

Celebrating our department graduates and award winners. We are so proud of Roo! UMKC School of Humanities and Social Sciences