Professor Bob Van Dyk
Professor and Department Chair
Department of Politics and Government
Contact information
Email: vandykr@pacificu.edu
Office: Marsh Hall 233
Phone: 503.352.2709
Fax: 503.352.3195
Education
Ph.D. University of Washington, 1995, in political science
M.A. University of Washington, 1989, in political science
B.A. Duke University, 1986, in history
National Endowment for the Humanities, Summer Institute on the Civil Rights Movement, Harvard University, Summer 1995
Teaching
Professor Van Dyk’s teaching interests include constitutional law and civil liberties, environmental politics, and social movements. He often uses a case-based approach in his classes. Recently, he has developed coursework that includes the use of GIS technology to analyze political problems, particularly in relation to environmental policy. Professor Van Dyk has won two awards for his teaching: one from the students and one from the faculty.
Fall 2007 Course
POLS 326– Civil Liberties
Winter 2008 Course
POLS 222 – The Civil Rights Movement
Spring 2008 Course
POLS 224 – Environmental Politics
Publications and Professional Work
Professor Van Dyk’s recent professional work has focused on environmental politics and forest policy. He has received approximately $100,000 in grants and contracts over the last five years to support curricular innovation and develop environmental restoration projects. He is currently the project coordinator for two restoration projects in the Forest Grove area. In addition, he is involved in state forest policy. He has served on several Oregon Department of Forestry committees, including the State Forest Advisory Committee, the Committee on Sustainability Indicators, and the first annual Board of Forestry Issue Scan Group.
Professor Van Dyk is currently working on a manuscript on the scope and bias of the pressure system in Oregon forest policy.
Recent Media Appearances
Professor Van Dyk’s work is described in the media here:
http://www.wweek.com/story.php?story=2519
Extracurricular Activities
Professor Van Dyk lives in Forest Grove and enjoys drinking coffee, sitting on his porch, chasing his kids, tramping through the woods, and driving around in his old truck. Here is his favorite sign:
