Welcome to my website. My name is Monti Datta and I'm an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Richmond. I came to UR in 2009 and it's been quite the ride. I enjoy teaching, researching and mentoring students.
I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, went to UC Berkeley undergrad (BA in English Lit), and then spent several years teaching overseas in South Korea and Japan on the EPIK and JET Programs, respectively. Since then, I’ve had the travel bug, and try to go overseas as much as I can. For me travel is food for the soul.
After teaching overseas, I returned to the United States and got my MPP from Georgetown University. Afterwards, I came very close to joining the United States Foreign Service as a diplomat, but instead felt the calling to get my PhD and go into college teaching. I graduated with my PhD in Political Science from UC Davis in 2009, and joined the Political Science department at the University of Richmond (UR).
At UR, I teach classes in international relations, research methods, human rights & modern slavery, global governance, and the US image. What I love the most about teaching is the ability to work with students, have deep and honest conversations about world affairs, and to explore ways to make the world a better place.
These days, I'm very excited to work with student groups on campus to promote more awareness of social justice. I want to improve our society and find that students make excellent partners in speaking their truth with bravery, sagacity, and resilience.
Feel free to contact me: mdatta@richmond.edu
An interview with President Ronald Crutcher of the University Richmond