Without AI it’s just “ntroducton to mercan Poltcs” Leveraging AI for Poli Sci

At SUNY Delhi, we have discovered numerous creative ways to leverage the power of Artificial Intelligence to enhance and deepen student learning in Introduction to American Government, Political Theory, and Introduction to International Relations.
Rather than treating AI as a shortcut, we guide students to use it as a powerful thinking partner. Students learn about the subject, while developing 21st-century skills: rigorous fact-checking, critical evaluation of AI outputs, ethical use of emerging technologies, and strategies for integrating AI tools into their future professional workflows.

Some of the engaging use cases I will share include:

• U.S. Government
• Federalist vs. Anti-Federalist: Students use AI to unpack the historic debate and apply those arguments to current constitutional controversies.
• U.S. Supreme Court Case Research: AI helps summarize landmark cases, after which students critique the accuracy and completeness of the results.
• “How Could Dukakis Have Won?”: Exploring alternative campaign strategies and what might have changed the outcome for various elections.

Political Theory

• Un-Locke-ing the Social Contract: Using AI as a personal teaching assistant to break down complex philosophers and test modern applications of social contract theory.
• Point and Counterpoint: Students direct AI to build strong theoretical arguments and then challenge them, sharpening their own debate skills

IR:

• War Games: Simulating historical crises and predicting outcomes if diplomacy had succeeded.
• Meddling with Metternich: Re-imagining how 19th-century Europe might have developed differently.
• It’s a MAD World: Testing and critiquing the logic of nuclear deterrence theory through interactive AI scenarios.

By thoughtfully integrating AI into these courses, students leave with stronger content knowledge and the confidence to use AI responsibly in their academic and professional lives.
(Grammarly was used on this submission)

Speaker Biography

Dr. Peter W. Brusoe is an Associate Professor of Political Science and Economics at SUNY Delhi. He teaches courses in American Government, Political Theory, Campaigns & Elections, Public Policy, and Economics.

His academic interests include campaign finance, lobbying, elections, civic engagement, and the use of technology in teaching. His research has appeared in the Election Law Journal and the Journal of Political Science Education.

Prior to joining SUNY Delhi, he swas a Research Analyst at the Campaign Finance Institute in Washington, D.C. He also worked for 10.5 years at Bloomberg, focusing on political data and machine learning. In addition, he taught as an adjunct instructor at American University and the University of the District of Columbia. He earned his Ph.D. from American University, an M.A. from the University at Albany (SUNY), and a B.A. summa cum laude in Political Science and European History from the University at Albany.

Dr. Brusoe is particularly interested in helping students use AI tools thoughtfully in his courses. He remains active in college service and is committed to supporting student success through experiential learning and civic discourse.