Biographical Sketch

Aparna Thomas, Professor of Politics and Gender, Sexuality and Women's Studies, teaches courses in international relations, comparative government, and women’s studies. In addition to core courses in these areas, she teaches advanced courses related to women in politics, strategies to alleviate poverty, and comparative healthcare systems. Professor Thomas is an expert on the politics of South Asia and global feminism. She currently chairs the politics department and serves as Cornell's faculty advisor to the India Studies Program sponsored by the Associated Colleges of the Midwest. 

Academic History

  • PhD in Political Science, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI
  • MA in Political Science, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI
  • BA in Political Science, Hope College, Holland, MI

Areas of Expertise

  • Comparative Politics (politics of South Asia)
  • Gender and Development
  • Gender and Politics

Courses Taught

  • Introduction to Comparative Politics
  • Introduction to International Relations
  • Gender and Development
  • Women and Politics
  • Political Economy of Developing Countries
  • Strategies to Alleviate Poverty
  • Topics courses cross-listed with Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies