Joe Gardner, Ph.D.

Associate Professor and Department Chair of Political Science

Joe Gardner joined the GU Political Science Department in 2011. He was previously an assistant professor at Northern Arizona University and most recently a visiting professor at the University of Montana. He currently teaches courses in the area of...

Portrait of Joe Gardner, Ph.D.

Contact Information

  • Office Hours Fall 2024

    Monday 1:00pm - 2:00pm (drop in)

    Tuesday 12:30pm - 2:30pm (by appointment)

    Thursday 1:30pm - 2:30pm (drop in)

  • (509) 313-6764

Education & Curriculum Vitae

Curriculum Vitae

Ph.D., Political Science, University of California, Santa Barbara, 2005.

M.A., Political Science, University of California, Santa Barbara, 1998.

M.A., International Studies, Claremont Graduate University, 1994.

B.A., Political Science, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, 1991.

Courses Taught

POLS 101: Introduction to American Government

POLS 319: American Foreign Policy

POLS 303: Constitutional Law, Civil Liberties and Rights

POLS 323: Constitutional Law, Institutional Powers"


Joe Gardner joined the GU Political Science Department in 2011. He was previously an assistant professor at Northern Arizona University and most recently a visiting professor at the University of Montana. He currently teaches courses in the area of constitutional law and the courts, American foreign policy, and introduction to American politics. He has also taught a range of other courses on American political institutions and political participation. His is currently researching decision making on the Federal Open Market Committee.

Peer-reviewed articles

"The Effect of Sunshine on Policy Deliberation: The Case of the Federal Open Market Committee," with John Woolley. The Social Science Journal. Published October 20, 2016. DOI: 10.1016/j.soscij.2016.09.006

“Measuring Deliberative Conditions: An Analysis of Participant Freedom and Equality in Federal Open Market Committee Deliberation,” with John Woolley. Political Research Quarterly. 69, 3 (2016). DOI: 10.1177/1065912916657186