Faculty Directory

Biography

Prior to teaching Political Science at De Anza, I have worked in legal aid organizations as an advocate and as a policy analyst for a local member of Congress. My areas of focus include American Politics, California Politics, and law and politics. I support internships and experiential learning as a way for students to work in the community, to gain experience and to enhance classroom learning. As a community college graduate myself, I am committed to student success and will do everything I can to help you reach your goals at De Anza and beyond.

Contact Information

armitageleighton@deanza.edu

Biography

I hail from the Central Valley of California and currently live in the Bay Area. I absolutely love being a teacher. As a former community college student I relate to our students at De Anza College. My area of focus is on American Politics and California Politics. Currently, I serve on the Executive Committee for the Academic Senate as a representative for the Social Sciences and Humanities division. I hope to encourage my students to strive toward their dreams and goals. I enjoy avocado toast, driving my Honda, and long walks on the beach.

Biography

After many years serving De Anza in a range of administrative posts, in 1999 Greg chose to become a full-time faculty member in political science. One of Greg's goals as a teacher is to impart to his students a love for learning and a desire to participate in the democratic process. "I look forward to coming to teach every day. There is a sense of community among many faculty members here that is empowering and rewarding...."

Biography

Since 1993, I have been teaching in the Political Science Department at De Anza College and served as the Chair for three years. My first seventeen years (prior to the above) were spent teaching specialized classes and performing counseling services for senior citizens also within the Foothill-De Anza Community College District.

Contact Information

nguyenleslie@deanza.edu

408.864.5769

Biography

Robert Ovetz has a BA in Government, and a MA and Ph.D. in sociology (political) from the University of Texas-Austin. He also teaches at several community colleges and San Francisco State University and has taught in the graduate program at New College of California. Prior to teaching Robert worked in the Texas legislature, for non-government organization on debt, development, human rights and ocean conservation issues. As an ocean conservation advocate Robert successfully lobbied the United Nations to protect endangered marine species from industrial fishing. Robert's writings have been published widely in the academic, mainstream and alternative media as well as by the United Nations.

Biography

As a first generation college graduate, Francisco understands the complexities and challenges in higher education attainment. He is a Bay Area native who has been involved in local and state politics as a community organizer, nonprofit executive, and public policy professional. His research interests include voting rights, minority disenfranchisement, and campaign finance.

Biography

Albert Schendan recieved his MA in Political Science from SFSU, 2004. His major area of specialization is American government and political theory. He also has a strong interest in political ideology and comparative politics.

Biography

I've been teaching at De Anza since 2004, and absolutely love it. De Anza students are fantastic -- intelligent, engaged, and committed! I feel very fortunate to work with and learn from such a dynamic student community. I especially appreciate its activism and commitment to positive social change. I teach courses in American Politics (Poli 1) every quarter; Political Theory (Poli 5) most fall quarters; Comparative Politics (Poli 2) most winter quarters; and International Relations (Poli 3) in spring. I also oversee the department's internship class (Poli 64), which is available every fall, winter, and spring quarter.

Biography

Ishmael Tarikh's academic focus is on fundamental change and social justice. He is the sole proprietor of Tarikh Consulting Services. He has taught on the postsecondary level at Chico State University, Berkeley City College, Merritt College, UC Berkeley, UC Santa Cruz, and San Jose State University.

Biography

I love being a teacher! My first job in this role is helping students succeed at De Anza and to reach their own goals in life. I do this in part by introducing them to an engaged and populist politics centered on issues that matter to them personally. I am also an active participant in local and state politics, serving as an elected official in the East Bay since 2004. My main areas of scholarship are social movements and grassroots organizing, civil rights, and environmental politics.