Associate Professor of Political Science
eric.kasper@uwc.edu
Phone: (715) 234-8176 ext. 5472
Department: Political Science
Office: 117 Meggers Hall
B.A., University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire
M.A., University of Wisconsin – Madison
J.D., University of Wisconsin – Madison
Ph.D., University of Wisconsin – Madison
Before coming to UW-Barron County, Eric was previously employed as a teaching assistant, lecturer, and adjunct professor at UW-Eau Claire, UW-Madison, and UW-Milwaukee. His areas of expertise are American politics, judicial politics, public law, political theory, and international relations.
Eric and colleague Benjamin Schoening recently published the book Don't Stop Thinking about the Music: The Politics of Songs and Musicians in Presidential Campaigns (Lexington Books, 2012), which traces the use of music in presidential campaigns from the nation's founding through the 2008 election. Eric's first book, To Secure the Liberty of the People: James Madison's Bill of Rights and the Supreme Court's Interpretation (Northern Illinois University Press, 2010), explores Madison's political theory when he drafted the Bill of Rights and compares it to how Supreme Court jusitices have used Madison as an authority when deciding cases.
Eric has also authored or co-authored in peer-reviewed journals including "Barron County Restorative Justice: The Role One Program Played in Reducing Juvenile Crime and Restoring Lives" (co-authored with Mary Hoeft, Protecting Children, 2009) and "The Influence of Magna Carta in Limiting Executive Power in the War on Terror" (Political Science Quarterly, 2011-12).
Eric is a former member of the Rice Lake City Council and currently serves as the Rice Lake Municipal Judge. He is also an attorney and a member of the Wisconsin Bar Association.
He lives in Rice Lake with his wife Julie, and their children, Maddie and Jackson. His hobbies include playing chess, and watching the Packers, Badgers, and Brewers.
