Faculty Profile
Ed Webb
(he/him/his)Associate Professor of Political Science and International Studies (2007)
Contact Information
Denny Hall Room 202
717-245-1009
http://dickinson.academia.edu/EdWebb
Bio
His teaching and research activities are mainly in Middle East politics, comparative politics and international relations. He contributes to Middle East Studies and Security Studies. He has particular interests in the interaction of religions and politics and the politics of education, as well as authoritarianism and empire. His interest in pedagogical applications of new technologies, including simulations, games, and social media, has led to him being appointed to the Advisory Board of the National Institute for Technology in Liberal Education. A former diplomat, he has lived and worked in the Middle East and Europe. Recent publications: Professor Webb contributed a chapter on “Totalitarianism and Authoritarianism” to 21st Century Political Science: A Reference Handbook, edited by Ishiyama & Breuning (2011) and a chapter, “Should the Daleks Be Exterminated?” (with Mark Wardecker) to Doctor Who and Philosophy, edited by Smithka & Lewis (2010). His article “Engaging Students with Engaging Tools” was published in Educause Quarterly in 2009.
Education
- B.A., Cambridge University, 1992
- M.A., University of Pennsylvania, 2003
- Ph.D., 2007
2025-2026 Academic Year
Fall 2025
FYSM 100 First-Year Seminar
The First-Year Seminar (FYS) introduces students to Dickinson as a "community of inquiry" by developing habits of mind essential to liberal learning. Through the study of a compelling issue or broad topic chosen by their faculty member, students will:
- Critically analyze information and ideas
- Examine issues from multiple perspectives
- Discuss, debate and defend ideas, including one's own views, with clarity and reason
- Develop discernment, facility and ethical responsibility in using information, and
- Create clear academic writing
The small group seminar format of this course promotes discussion and interaction among students and their professor. In addition, the professor serves as students' initial academic advisor. This course does not duplicate in content any other course in the curriculum and may not be used to fulfill any other graduation requirement.
MEST 266 Intl Pol of the Middle East
Cross-listed with INST 277-01 and POSC 277-01.
INST 277 Intl Pol of the Middle East
Cross-listed with MEST 266-01 and POSC 277-01.
POSC 277 Intl Pol of the Middle East
Cross-listed with INST 277-01 and MEST 266-01.