The Western Political Science Association (WPSA) is a professional association of political science scholars and students in the United States. Founded in 1947, it publishes two academic journals: Political Research Quarterly (PRQ), and Politics, Groups and Identities (PGI).[1]
The purpose of the WPSA is to promote the study and teaching of government and politics, to foster political research, and facilitate a greater dialogue involving public affairs and policy making. The official region of the WPSA includes the western states of Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, Utah, and Washington. In addition, it includes the Canadian provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan. However, one-third of the association’s members are from other states and nations.[2]
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The WPSA was founded in November, 1947 and held its first meeting at the University of Utah.[3] At this time a constitution was adopted and officers were elected for the new organization. The first president of the association was G. Homer Durham, University of Utah. The WPSA was the second regional political science association formally recognized by the American Political Science Association. In 1995, the WPSA became incorporated in California as a nonprofit public benefit corporation. In 1998 the WPSA Executive Council appointed Elizabeth Moulds from California State University Sacramento to serve as the association's first Executive Director. Including her term as Executive Director, Moulds served as the chief administrative officer for the association for 25 years, before stepping down in 2009.
The Western Political Quarterly has served as the official journal of the organization since it was first published by the University of Utah in March, 1948. The relationship between the association and the journal was formalized in 1971. The journal was renamed Political Research Quarterly in 1992.[4] The association’s second official publication, Politics, Groups and Identities, will begin publication in 2013.
The WPSA Annual Meeting is a gathering of political scientists that rotates throughout the region. It occurs over a weekend in March or April each spring. Approximately 1,100 to 1,300 political scientists participate in this conference annually. The conference provides a forum for scholars to share research, discuss political science education, and network with other experts in their field. The 2011 conference was held in San Antonio, Texas from April 21–23. The 2012 conference will be held in Portland, Oregon from March 22–24.[5]
To recognize excellence in the profession, the Association offers annual awards that are presented at the regional conference:[6]
Political Research Quarterly (PRQ) is an academic journal publishing original research in all areas of political science.[7][8] Published quarterly in association with the Western Political Science Association, the journal publishes scholarly research that covers a vast range of topics and subjects in political science including:
Politics, Groups, and Identities (PGI) is a new journal to be launched in 2013 and will concern questions and issues of identity politics.[9] PGI will offer a new platform for work that focuses on the politics of social identity and minority groups.