Campus Spotlight: Dr. Riase Jakpor Publishes Political Science Textbook
Dr. Riase Jakpor, originally from Nigeria, moved to the United States in 1974 to pursue
his education. He earned his BA, MA, and PhD in Political Science from the University
of Michigan, Ann Arbor, where he developed a deep passion for American Government.
As an international student, Dr. Jakpor dedicated himself to academic excellence, and he has since shared his enthusiasm for political science with students at various institutions, including Brandeis University, Bentley University, Moreno Valley College, the University of Redlands, and San Bernardino Valley College.
Dr. Jakpor's teaching philosophy emphasizes the relevance of politics to everyday life. “I strive to make complex ideas accessible,” he explains. “Students often come in thinking they’re simply fulfilling a requirement, but at the end of the day they are disabused of that idea.” His goal is to provide “basic information—knowledge that you can truly apply to your life.”
To further this mission, he authored his first textbook, Fundamentals of American Government and Politics, which distills the foundational principles of the nation. Currently, he is working on his second book, Continuity and Change in World Politics, slated for completion in 2025. Through his teaching and writing, Dr. Jakpor continues to inspire a new generation of political thinkers.
Fundamentals of American Government and Politics provides students with a foundational exploration of the United States' political system, diving into the intricacies of American democratic principles and institutions. The book begins with the critical study of foundational documents such as the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, leading to a comprehensive understanding of federalism and the power dynamics between national and subnational governments.
The book dissects the multifaceted nature of political engagement within the United States by discussing themes such as interest groups, political parties, election campaigns, and the overarching influence of the media. It analyzes the operational frameworks of central political mechanisms, including Congress, the executive branch, and the U.S. judiciary system. The text concludes with a detailed perspective on the foreign policy and defense establishment of the country, accompanied by a specific focus on the government and politics of California.