Andre P. Audette

Associate Professor, Political Science
Coordinator, Pre-Law

Rm 330 Center for Science & Business 309-457-2102 Visit my website

Biography

I am what you might call a lifelong politics nerd.

In kindergarten, my claim to fame was that I could name all of the U.S. presidents in order, so studying political science was a natural fit for me. (But don’t worry, naming presidents is not a prerequisite for taking political science classes!)

What I find truly fascinating about politics is that it is all around us; it affects everyday choices – the foods we eat, the people we associate with, and how we see the world.

I am a political scientist because I enjoy exploring how politics shapes our identities and our communities. I hope to inspire students to think about these connections and then apply them to their own diverse interests.

I am also the pre-law advisor on campus and am available to consult on law school applications, legal careers and internships, course schedules, or any other pre-law needs.

Interests

My main areas of teaching and research are in American politics and law, especially political behavior, public opinion, and political psychology. I often focus on the intersection of religion, race, gender, and other identity characteristics. My legal interests are primarily in constitutional law, especially First Amendment jurisprudence, constitutional interpretation, and comparative constitutional law.

Some common themes in my work are the reciprocal influence of politics and identities, how churches and other linkage institutions mobilize members for political action, the politicization of what has traditionally been nonpolitical, and how laws and policies affect life outcomes. I enjoy working collaboratively with students on political science research. Feel free to visit my website to learn more about my work.

Education

Ph.D. – University of Notre Dame, 2016

M.A. – University of Notre Dame, 2013

B.A. – University of St. Thomas, 2011