No one’s development as a pedagogue ever stops. Each new group of students and new sets of coursework raises new concerns, new ways to “get it right.”
Inside the Classroom
The defining feature of my classroom is discussion. At all levels, I encourage the class to discuss as one unit or as a set of smaller units (small groups). I firmly believe that the electricity of the classroom rests on its ability to have intellectually difficult and stimulating conversations. To that end, I encourage respectful disagreement, alternative interpretations, intellectual risk, unformed thoughts, and thick silences. All of these help us sort through complex material and truly engage with what we have read.
Often, we need prompting to help us begin our discussions, so I will occasionally lecture or require presentations. These are meant to be brief, exploratory, and provocative. I do not view lecture as a simple dispensing of information (although it can do that), but rather a guided intellectual tour that leads us to an open forum.
In order to ensure that these types of discussions take place, I have specific paramaters and policies. (Read below).
Policies
Undergraduate Thesis Students & Grad Students
In pursuing a thesis with me, you’ll need to provide the following information in your emailed request:
a synopsis of your preparation for undertaking this project. It should include course work (independent and classroom), and relevant internships or community experience.
a synopsis of the expected project. This should include the main research questions, a short reading list, and a brief description of the proposed methodology. Be sure to name several intellectual goals to be achieved at the completion of the project.
a timeline of milestones for this project. You may want to use a calendar to work backwards from the due date. I expect that the tasks listed will be completed by the times indicated. Though this project requires considerable independence, self-governance, and time management skills, we will both recognize that this is a learning process. So, in the event that you have difficulty, you are obligated to communicate with me so that I can best help you proceed and develop a contingency plan for your goals.
Meetings: During meetings, you will need to be prepared to discuss your progress. Please be prepared with any questions or concerns about your project. If you have a document for me to examine, please e-mail it no less than two (2) business days in advance. This allows for a fruitful discussion. Other details of the meeting times, and days will be made in consultation.
Assessment: At the end of this project, you will be responsible for writing a narrative that details your progress. The narrative should include the main research question, the type of research project, critical skills learned, and an analysis of your learning process.
Policies
Letter of Recommendation Policy
To contact me for a letter of recommendation, please make a formal request via e-mail. For professional reason, please do not use social media or other avenues.
I write letters of recommendation for (1) students who have taken courses from me and completed substantial intellectual work (this does not mean that you earned an A), (2) students who have worked for me as research assistants or summer associates, and/or (3) thesis students or advisees. In order to craft a strong recommendation, I should know you fairly well. The more substantive our intellectual interaction, the stronger your letter will be.
Be sure that you:
Make your initial request at least a month before the deadline.
Ready your materials (see below) at least two to three weeks before the deadline.
In addition to required materials (letter waiver form, etc), I need the following (preferably in writing) for your recommendation:
A clear sense of your intention. I should know whether you are applying to study abroad, intern with the UN, MFA program, etc. If I have more information about both the program/scholarship and your larger “why”, I can tailor this letter to your needs.
Materials pertinent to the application. Many fellowships, scholarships, and other applications require a statement of purpose or CV or essay. It helps if I have this information so that I can echo any pertinent materials.
An unofficial transcript.
Your resume or vita (academic).
A copy of your best paper(s) from one of my classes (if applicable). It would help if you furnished me a copy or copies that included my comments.
Remember, that it is your professional duty to ensure that your letter has been received. If you need to remind me, please do so only once and close to the deadline. It is good form to keep me apprised of the results of your application even if they are not the ones you were looking forward to.
*Special thanks to Prof. Helen Boucher for her “Letters of Recommendation Policy.”