Hello, my name is Josh Franco and thank you for visiting my website.
I am a tenured Associate Professor at Cuyamaca College. As a first-generation college graduate, introducing political science to the next generation of leaders and scholars is my mission.
I earned my Ph.D. and M.A. in Political Science and B.A. in Public Policy from UC Merced. I also hold A.A. degrees in Economics and Political Science from Cerritos College.
Recently, I was selected for the American Political Science Association’s Congressional Fellowship Program. I will spend most of 2025 in Washington, D.C.
My pedagogical focus is on pioneering “integrative political science”. My integrative political science courses merge lectures, journal articles analysis, public policy project, and simulation in a single course to facilitate a dynamic, active learning experience for students.
To support Cuyamaca College students interested in or majoring in Political Science, I run iPoliSci.com, created new courses on political science research methods and public policy, co-authored a free open education resource (OER) textbook on political science research methods, secured a grant to purchase statistical data analysis software, authored a free OER workbook on using this software, created a scholarship to support students who successfully complete the new research methods course, and now founded the Civil Grand Jury Lab at Cuyamaca College.
My research interests include American Politics, Congressional Politics, and Pedagogy.
Additionally, I have 5 years of professional experience working in the California State Capitol and U.S. Congress.
Inspiring Quotation
“Heeded my words not, did you? Pass on what you have learned. Strength, mastery. But weakness, folly, failure also. Yes, failure most of all. The greatest teacher, failure is. Luke, we are what they grow beyond. That is the true burden of all masters.” – Yoda.