Laura Grattan

Laura Grattan is an Assistant Professor of Political Science at Wellesley College. She received her B.A. in English from the College of William in Mary in 2000 and her Ph.D. in Political Science from Duke University in 2009.

Grattan researches and teaches at the intersection of political theory and practice, focusing on democratic theory, grassroots politics, social movements, and critical studies of race, ethnicity, and culture. Her current project elucidates the limits and possibilities of democratic imagination in the United States, engaging historical and contemporary issues of American exceptionalism, populism, and immigration. Grattan is co-editor, with John Dedrick and Harris Dientsfrey, of Deliberation and the Work of Higher Education: Innovations for the Classroom, Campus, and Community, which explores issues and practices of civic engagement among college students.

Her own research is animated by her work after college, doing community-based research with the Kettering Foundation, and by her years of community organizing with Durham C.A.N. (Congregations, Associations, and Neighborhoods), an affiliate of the Industrial Areas Foundation. She often designs courses that encourage students to participate with local community groups.

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Profile last updated: 10/09