JH John B. Holbein

Teaching

I teach policy, politics, and causal inference.

My teaching is designed to help students become better political analysts. I ask students to apply political science to the real work of policymaking: writing policy memos, analyzing political actors, interpreting public opinion, drafting regulatory comments, working in teams, and translating evidence for busy decision-makers.

John B. Holbein teaching in a classroom.

Teaching Philosophy

Practical by design, rigorous in substance.

In my Politics of Public Policy course, students learn through team-based work: diagnosing political problems together, testing arguments against evidence, and translating research into usable policy advice. They return to one policy area across four linked memos, receive structured feedback, workshop drafts in class, and have opportunities to revise. My goal is for students to leave not only knowing more about politics, but writing, thinking, and collaborating more effectively.

Courses I've Taught

  • The Politics of Public Policy, Undergraduate & Graduate [2016-present]
  • Capstone in Research Projects in Public Policy, Undergraduate [2018-2019]
  • Mentored Research, Undergraduate & Graduate [2017-2020]
  • Methods for Causal Inference, Graduate [2013]
  • Introductory Quantitative Methods, Undergraduate & Graduate [2010, 2014]

Other Courses I Can Teach

Introduction to American Politics Political Behavior Political Psychology Policy Evaluation Introductory Quantitative Methods Methods for Causal Inference Introductory Public Policy Social Policy Education Policy

Student Evaluations

You are an amazing lecturer! I loved every moment of this class.
Courses like this one were the reason I wanted to get my MPP.
Professor Holbein is a great professor who truly supports his students. He is approachable and always willing to help.
Dr. Holbein made the class feel like a warm and safe environment for thought. This was my first politics class ever throughout my academic career and he made my first experience a great one!
Love you Holbein! I had a great time and you are an amazing human being. Thank you for being flexible, understanding, and kind. I learned a lot and I had fun.
Professor Holbein did a fantastic job fostering a welcoming classroom environment that focused on learning.