Dan Nataf obtained his Bachelor's degree from the University of California, Berkeley. Both his Master's and Doctorate in Political Science were obtained at the University of California, Los Angeles. He specialized in comparative politics, political sociology and research methods.
He has taught at several colleges and universities including UCLA and UMBC. Since 1995, he has been with Anne Arundel Community College. He has presented papers at several major conferences, both nationally and internationally. His major academic publication is Democratization and Social Settlements: The Politics of Change in Contemporary Portugal (New York: SUNY Press, 1995).
Since coming to AACC, he has been the director of the Center for the Study of Local Issues. He is frequently quoted by the local press and often invited as a guest speaker to local entities such as political clubs and service organizations. He has provided color commentary during the 2002, 2004, and 2006 elections on Annapolis-based radio station, WNAV. He has also appeared on television on several occasions. He is responsible for organizing CSLI's semi-annual survey, guiding the CSLI student club, and handling all client contacts for externally sponsored projects. Contact Dr. Nataf (ddnataf@aacc.edu, 410.777.2733) for information about CSLI including survey topic suggestions, client projects, suggestions for student projects/activities, and donations to the CSLI scholarship fund.
His course offerings include:
PLS 111 "Introduction to American Government" which is offered both as a web-assisted lecture course and an entirely online course.
PLS 125 "Political Issues and Conflicts in Contemporary America," reviews contemporary economic, political and social issues that are the subjects of conflict in contemporary American politics. It examine the impact of these issues on American governance, formation and execution of public policy and opinion.
PLS 131 "Comparative Politics," a course which explores themes such as "what is political development" and "how can countries be compared" along with a review of the political systems of France, Britain, Russia, China, Brazil and Iran
PLS 151 "Political Behavior and Analysis," which focuses on the interplay between public opinion, voting behavior, elections, parties, and campaigns. It focuses primarily on presidential elections. This course is typically offered online only, but with optional on-campus meetings.
PLS 200 "International Relations," devoted to presenting the major concepts and theories found in this political science subfield and showing how these bear upon the analysis of current events involving U.S. foreign policy.
PLS 275/276 "Legislative Internship," provides students the opportunity to learn more about Maryland state government. It is a two-course, six credit sequence which starts with an eight week course introducing students to state policy and the legislative process, followed by a placement with a senator or delegate for the legislative session. Contact Dr. Nataf for more information.