Biography
Patricia C. Rodda is the Assistant Professor of Political Science at Carroll University in Waukesha, Wisconsin. She teaches international relations, comparative politics, international law, conflict and security and political theory. Her research often focuses on vulnerable populations and the challenges they face seeking human rights protections. She is currently working on a new book project that investigates the institutions and interests that facilitate or obstruct the adoption of women’s rights in Muslim-majority states.
Areas of Specialization
International Relations; Comparative Politics; International Law; Refugees and Asylum; Human Rights; Vulnerable Populations; LGBTQ Rights and Policy
Scholarly and Professional Achievements
Publications
Patricia C. Rodda and Charles Anthony Smith. 2019. “Stateless Refugees and Victims of Human Trafficking in the European Union.” In Emerging Threats to Human Rights: Resources, Violence, and Deprivation of Citizenship, Heather Smith-Cannoy (ed.). Temple University Press.
“Decision-Making Processes and Asylum Claims in Europe: An Empirical Analysis of Refugee Characteristics and Asylum Application Outcomes” Decisions 23, 23-46, 2015
Heather Smith-Cannoy, Patricia C. Rodda, and Charles Anthony Smith. Sex Trafficking and Equity: The Status of Women and State Responses. Forthcoming, Georgetown University Press.
Conference Presentations
“Setting Pace for Brussels and Strasbourg: Approaches to Gender-Based Asylum Appeals in the European Union.” MPSA, April 2017, APSA, 2019, 2021
“Refugees, Asylum Determination, and the European Welfare State, ” co-author: Misty Knight-Finley. MPSA, April 2017
“Balancing Human Dignity and National Security: The Determinants of Successful Asylum Claims in Common Law States.” MPSA, April 2016
“Decision-Making Processes and Asylum Claims in Europe: An Empirical Analysis of Refugee Characteristics and Asylum Application Outcomes.” APSA, September 2015
“Attitude Changes toward Homosexuality among Mexican Youth, 2005-2010: Policy Change and Traditionalism among a New Generation,” co-author: Andrew Flores. MPSA, April 2015
“The Politics of Protection: Asylum Law and the Determinants of Asylum Claim Outcomes in the United States and Europe.” MPSA, April 2015
"The Politics of Asylum: An Empirical Analysis of Refugee Characteristics and Asylum Application Outcomes in the European Union." APSA, August 2014
“The Politics of Asylum: An Empirical Analysis of Refugee Characteristics and Asylum Application Outcomes in the European Union.” ISA, March 2014
Appointments
- Assistant Professor of International Relations, Carroll University, 2020-Present
- Instructor of International Relations, Carroll University, 2019-2020
- Visiting Instructor of International Relations, Carroll University, 2018-2019
What is your teaching style?
Discussion and debate-based to get students thinking critically about real world events and problems.
Why do you do what you do?
I come from a family of educators so it’s in my blood. I really enjoy teaching at the university level because, especially with politics, the events of the world, the challenges they present, the complex consequences they create are all becoming real and relevant for our students. I love being a part of their paths to discovering, understanding and challenging the world around them.
How do you make learning engaging?
I make sure to connect my courses to current events and real world problems. I challenge students to think about the real complexities and challenges of engaging with politics at home and abroad and to consider practical ways they can engage in their communities to make an impact in the issues that matter to them.
What should students know about you?
I love to travel and I love hearing others’ stories about the places they’ve seen around the world. Living in California for several years destroyed my cold tolerance, so I apologize now for complaining about the cold. When I have time I enjoy cooking, mystery novels, movies and exploring the Milwaukee and Waukesha areas with friends.