My primary teaching interests are within the field of security studies and gender and politics. My courses at Bucknell include: International Politics, Quantitative Research Methods, Military and Politics, War, Human Rights, and a senior seminar on Gender and International Relations.
My teaching philosophy is primarily focused upon developing strong critical thinking skills. While this can seem unoriginal, I have learned from my own teaching and learning experiences and from faculty that what makes a good political scientist is being able to ask good questions. Once a student can ask good questions, they are able to think critically upon leaving the university setting. I strive to encourage substantive understanding, enthusiasm, and classroom discussion. Active learning is a key strategy for helping students better learn the material and find interest in the topic. Furthermore, diversity is always respected in my classroom because I understand that students come from very different backgrounds and knowledge; however, these differences always lend to a better learning environment as students not only learn from me, but from one another.
My teaching philosophy is primarily focused upon developing strong critical thinking skills. While this can seem unoriginal, I have learned from my own teaching and learning experiences and from faculty that what makes a good political scientist is being able to ask good questions. Once a student can ask good questions, they are able to think critically upon leaving the university setting. I strive to encourage substantive understanding, enthusiasm, and classroom discussion. Active learning is a key strategy for helping students better learn the material and find interest in the topic. Furthermore, diversity is always respected in my classroom because I understand that students come from very different backgrounds and knowledge; however, these differences always lend to a better learning environment as students not only learn from me, but from one another.
