Teaching
POSC 120 - Introduction to American Government
POSC 291 - Political Inquiry
POSC 325 - Elections and Voting Behavior
POSC 326 - American Political Parties
POSC 491 - Scope and Methods in Political Science
At Radford University, Reed teaches Introduction to American Politics, Political Inquiry,
American Political Parties, Elections and Voting Behavior, and Scope and Methods in
Political Science. He approaches teaching as an opportunity to not only convey information,
but to evaluate, assess, and reassess our own understanding of the subject matter
that is discussed. Rather than simply training future politicians and bureaucrats,
Reed strives to push his students to become conscientious citizens and critical thinkers.
In the class room, Reed uses simulations, debates, and group assignments in addition
to a traditional lecture format. Reed’s goal is to create a classroom environment
where students develop critical thinking skills and apply them to solving real world
problems. Students are challenged to “think on their feet” and to constantly reevaluate
their own assumptions and beliefs about the political world.
Research
Reed’s research focuses on the interaction between the public and political elites,
in both electoral and non-electoral contexts. This includes research on political
parties and interest groups, the historical development and processes of elections
and campaigns, as well as the impact of institutions and rules on the behavior of
political elites.
Reed’s most recent published research is in the study of American political development,
exploring changes in voter mobilization from the days of the party machines of the
19th Century. This research examines how changes in electoral rules have influenced
the practice of voter mobilization over time and how this has affected both voter
turnout and the strength of third parties.
Reed is currently researching the effect of implicit attitudes on the formation of
voters’ party identification.
Service
In addition to teaching, Reed is active in service at Radford and in the discipline
of political science. He has served as a reviewer for numerous peer-reviewed journals,
including American Politics Research, Political Research Quarterly, and Political Behavior. He has served as an advisor to numerous political science majors, including several
student Capstone projects. In addition to his teaching here at Radford, Reed also
serves as the Department of Political Science’s departmental Assessment Coordinator
and the advisor to both the Young Democrats and the Pi Sigma Alpha political science
honor fraternity here on campus.