Faculty Experts
Margaret Susan Thompson
Margaret S. Thompson is an associate professor of history and political science in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University. Professor Thompson also serves as a senior research associate for the within the Maxwell School. Her research interests include U.S. politics and governance, women and politics, religion and politics, and women and religion in U.S. history.
Thompson was trained as a political historian, with a focus on the nineteenth-century United States and, particularly, the Congress. Her first book, The “Spider Web”: Congress and Lobbying in the Age of Grant (Cornell University Press), reflects both her scholarly and hands-on experience, the latter as American Political Science Association Congressional Fellow.
Recently, Professor Thompson’s work has focused on the history of American Catholic nuns. She has written and lectured extensively on the subject, and has an 18-lecture audio series available through NowYouKnowMedia.com. Her research is from an explicitly feminist perspective, emphasizing the agency and social significance of sisters to American religious and secular history. As a result of this research, she has had the privilege of speaking internationally as well as across the U.S., and has served as a consultant to numerous documentarians and religious communities. Her forthcoming book, The Yoke of Grace: American Nuns and Social Change, 1809-1917, is under contract with Oxford University Press.
Thompson received her Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin, Madison.
Related Stories and Coverage
-
Rochester Times Union
Should Healthcare Workers Receive Religious Exemptions For Vaccines?
Friday, October 8, 2021, By Sophie Gomprecht -
Spectrum News
Syracuse Pride: President Biden and Governor Hochul Both Attended Syracuse University
Tuesday, August 31, 2021, By Sophie Gomprecht -
Global Sisters Report
Commemorating the 175th Anniversary of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Order
Tuesday, August 10, 2021, By Sophie Gomprecht -
The Hill
Will President Biden Be Denied Communion? Syracuse Professor Weighs In
Saturday, July 17, 2021, By Sophie Gomprecht -
News Channel 9 Bridge Street
“‘Not Just Policymakers’ – SU Professor Shares Thoughts on New President & Vice President.”
Friday, January 22, 2021, By Lily Datz -
WNTQ FM
Margaret Thompson provides pre-election commentary
Thursday, October 29, 2020, By Lily Datz -
Southern California Public Radio
“Trump’s COVID-19 Diagnosis: What We Know & The Political Dimensions Of Medical Messaging”
Monday, October 5, 2020, By Lily Datz -
Spectrum News
“Katko, Balter in Tight Race For Congress; What Does it Mean?”
Monday, October 5, 2020, By Lily Datz -
Associated Press
“Analysis: US to hit 200k dead; Trump sees no need for regret.”
Sunday, September 20, 2020, By Lily Datz -
Deadline
“Faye Emerson: The Inside Story Of The First Lady Of Late Night”
Wednesday, July 1, 2020, By Lily Datz