Professor
Ph.D. University of California, Davis, 1975
Clark Hall 451
408-924-5580
Larry.Gerston@sjsu.edu
Dr. Larry Gerston focuses on the public policy process at the national and state levels. Professor Gerston focuses on a user-friendly approach. His most recent book, Confronting Reality: Ten Issues Threatening to Implode American Society (and How We Can Fix It) will be published in July 2009. American Federalism: A Concise Introduction (2007), examines the unique relationship between governments in their historical and modern contexts as well as in their policymaking capabilities. Public Policy Making in a Democratic Society: A Guide to Civic Engagement (2002) has been heralded as a breakthrough in forging "hands on" citizen/ service learning partnerships. California Politics and Government: A Practical Approach (with Terry Christensen) is now in its tenth edition (2009). Gerston and Christensen also teamed up to write Recall! California’s Political Earthquake (2004), winner of the prestigious CHOICE award.
Along with his academic responsibilities, Professor Gerston has been the political analyst at NBC11 (the NBC station in the San Francisco Bay area) since 1980 and at radio station KCBS since 2002. He has also appeared on NBC Nightly News, CNN, PBS, and BBC. More than 100 of op-ed columns have appeared under his byline in leading newspapers including the San Jose Mercury News, San Francisco Chronicle, and Los Angeles Times. On a lighter note, Professor Gerston has written The Costco Experience: An Unofficial Survivor’s Guide, published in 2003. As with his more serious writings, this book focuses on individual empowerment.
A sought-after motivational speaker, Professor Gerston gives several talks each year for the "We the People...Project Citizen" programs sponsored by the Center for Civic Education. He has a unique ability to put complex issues into understandable perspective.
When not teaching or writing, Professor Gerston consults in media training, crisis management, and strategic thinking.
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