Kathryn Mulholland

Fields

• International Relations
• World Politics
• U.S. Government and Politics
• Comparative Politics
• Political Science

Contact Information

• Office: Building 74M, Room B109
• Phone: 805-756-2645
• E-mail: kkmulhol@calpoly.edu

Courses

• POLS 112: American and California Government
• POLS 225: Introduction to International Relations
• POLS 229: Introduction to Comparative Politics

About Kathryn

I’m a Cal Poly alumna, I graduated in 2003, with a B.A. in Political Science, concentration International Affairs, and a Minor degree in French language. While earning my undergraduate degree, I studied French language and politics at the University of Pau in southern France. That experience convinced me to study abroad again when I earned my M.A. in International Relations in 2004 from the University of Kent in England. The University of Kent today is considered the “UK’s European university” with study centers throughout Europe. While enrolled in the International Relations (IR) postgraduate program at Kent University’s Brussels School of International Studies (BSIS) in Belgium, I was fortunate to attend courses in American Foreign Policy, International Negotiation, International Law, State, Nation, and Society, and International Relations Theory - all taught by a diverse faculty who lived and taught throughout Europe. My Master’s dissertation explored identity theory in international relations, centering on the topic of American Exceptionalism as a form of national identity, and how its historical origins and characteristics have significant bearing on U.S. domestic and foreign policy decisions.

My experience living and studying abroad is something that I truly value, especially the friendships that I made and the international experience and knowledge that I gained. I really believe in the importance of learning about other cultures, societies, and political systems, so that we can address many of the global issues that we face on this finite planet. The experience, knowledge, and personal connections also make traveling much more enjoyable! (I love to travel - my first trip abroad was to Europe when I was nine years old.)

I began teaching at Cal Poly back in 2006 (POLS 225 - Introduction to International Relations), and I have been teaching each year since 2014. I also taught courses in Political Science at Cuesta Community College in San Luis Obispo from 2005 to 2017. It has been an honor for me to return to Cal Poly and share my passion for teaching Political Science with my students. I have lived on the Central Coast for 40 years, raised a family, and continue to spend precious time with my family and friends.

Education

Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in International Relations, with Merit, from the Brussels School of International Studies (BSIS), University of Kent at Canterbury, United Kingdom (2004)

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Political Science and Minor degree in French, with Honors (Magna Cum Laude), California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, California (2003)