Context is Critical for Thinking the Political

Since the middle of the last century, political science as a discipline has been transformed by its openness to new methodologies, tools for drawing analysis from large data sets, and the quest to emulate the rigor of the natural sciences. As this panel examines, political science pedagogy is invigorated by new technologies and experimentation with alternative formats for student engagement. However, the space for such innovation cannot be taken for granted or assumed. Drawing on case studies from China, Southeast Asia, and the United States, this paper will raise questions about how to spark critical inquiry in political science within contexts whereby material and ideological conditions hamper students’ opportunities for free debate of multiple perspectives.