Teaching Overview
I teach undergraduate and graduate courses on American politics. Courses include Polisci 325: Congress and the Legislative Process, Polisci 395: Party Polarization, Polisci 411: Theories of American Political Institutions, and Polisci 405: Linear Models.
In 2016, I was awarded the R. Barry Farrell Prize for Excellence in Teaching from the Department of Political Science.
Current students, please see Canvas for more information and class materials.
Teaching Philosophy
As a teacher, I aim to help students synthesize knowledge, critically evaluate the world around them, and formulate persuasive arguments based on evidence. To develop these skills, I problematize course content and assignments in ways that help students apply theories, concepts, and evidence to contemporary politics. Through discussions and written assignments, I challenge students to apply course material to political and social problems and, in doing so, to reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of the frameworks in the literature. Clarity of expectations, combined with opportunities for feedback, play an essential role in my efforts to help students become critical thinkers.
I was a fellow at the Searle Center for Advancing Teaching and Learning during the 2012-2013 academic year, where I focused on ways to improve critical thinking in undergraduate courses.