Benjamin Epstein

Ben Epstein joined the faculty at DePaul in 2012 and became an Associate Professor in 2018. At DePaul, he has taught many courses in American politics including mass media and American politics (PSC 321), the Internet, technology, and politics (PSC 315), American political culture (PSC 216), the American political system (PSC 120), and the Seminar on Race, Power, and Resistance: Racial and Ethnic Politics in the U.S. (LSP 200). He loves being in the classroom and takes pride in creating a dynamic, interactive, and personally meaningful experience in his courses. Professor Epstein's research is focused primarily on American political development and political communication with particular emphasis on the intersection of the internet and politics, how media and politics have changed over time, and the effect of these changes on political behavior and participation. His work has appeared in several leading journals. His book, The Only Constant is Change: Technology, Political Communication, and Innovation Over Time, explores the interlocking technological, behavioral, and political components of political communication change over time and, in doing so, identifies a recurring pattern that can be used to compare periods across time and explore the choices of different types of political actors regarding if and when they choose to innovate their political communication strategies. Ben is a proud native Minnesotan who has lived and taught on both coasts and is excited to be back in the midwest. When not at DePaul, he enjoys cheering on Minnesota sports teams and having fun with his wife and two kids.​