My goal is to encourage creative and critical thinking. My job is not to tell you what to think, but rather to push you to develop and defend your ideas using logically compelling arguments. My role is that of a motivator and facilitator, to encourage and assist you in reaching your full academic potential and in following your career aspirations.
I try to make the atmosphere in the classroom intellectually engaging, fun (even silly), and open-minded. Class is an opportunity to discuss the readings and apply course concepts toward debating current events. I welcome all points of view (e.g., liberal, conservative) as long as we choose our words carefully and compassionately. What I care about is how well you make your case and defend it, in light of competing explanations. I want you to excel in the art of making a compelling argument based on your understanding of IR theory and issues.
This fall I am teaching PLSC 374: Cross-National Resarch Methods.
Future courses include:
- Global governance (Spring 2012)
- Introduction to International Relations (Spring 2012)