Teaching Philosophy

Teaching is a way to ignite the minds of students. I went into this field because everything is open for discussion and critical analysis. Many college students have thought little about the world beyond their own.  My goal is to have students think critically about their world, their society, and how they fit into it. When we examine what we do and how it affects others, we begin to develop a sociological imagination - the ability to look beyond ourselves and see the world outside of our lives. It is important for students to receive current information in order to be able to develop their own ideas rather than blindly embrace those that have been given to them.

As a teacher, my responsibility is to provide a classroom tolerant of different points of view and open and welcoming to students with diverse backgrounds.  I work to ensure that the classroom provides an atmosphere of respect among and between students and myself. Self-discovery is only possible when students feel respected and valued within the classroom.

At the root of my teaching philosophy is the goal of making learning rewarding for my students. By stimulating curiosity and interest, students are motivated to participate with me in the learning enterprise. I believe that learning is not a passive activity. It's important that my students actively engage in the learn process. I know that for some this is a hard thing. Much of academics today is a passive experience; with students being taught to the test and not questioning what they are learning. I work to create a learning environment that is enthusiastic, challenging, and supportive. I try to provide novel and stimulating experiences that take place in a context of interactive cooperation. Specific pedagogical tools that I consistently use include simulations, structured discussion, student presentations, and group problem-solving.

I believe that justice studies requires a strong theoretical foundation and methods must be partnered with the ability to critically evaluate information. Honing critical thinking skills enables students to be informed consumers of social knowledge. Ultimately, of course, I want to share my passion for justice studies with my students. Through anecdotes and real-world applications, I introduce new and complex material in a way that relates to the students' experience, making material much more understandable. My approach to teaching is influenced by a sincere appreciation of the gifts my students bring to the learning environment. I care about their views, life experience, and future success, and I hope this comes across in my interactions with them as a group, and as individuals.

I make every effort to be accessible to students inside and outside the classroom. I have heard students describe me as a "tough but great" instructor. This reflects my high expectations for my students and my willingness help students in reaching their goals. I having a holistic approach to teaching. I teach to the entire student. I focus on developing the skills that will prepare them to be successful players in a competitive labor market. Toward this goal, I promote excellence in written and oral communication. All of my classes include opportunities for students to work on these skills. I also incorporate new technologies in my instruction and encourage students to utilize these resources in their research and communication.

Courses

JS 101 - Introduction to Justice Studies

This introduction to the multidisciplinary field of Justice Studies examines justice from many points of view, including matters of law, economy, politics, identity, science and technology, mass media, culture, crime, and history. Our critical engagement with these intertwined components of U.S. society is an attempt to pose the fundamental question that any examination of justice must ask: does the current system work and could it be better?

JS 404 - Serial Killers and Mass Murders

This class explores the world of serial killers and mass murders. We will discuss the psychology, sociology, and biological basis for these heinous crimes, how they are examined and brought to justice. We will examine the larger social factors that may contribute to these issues and discuss what sort of changes society might need to make to prevent these crimes.

Soc 310 - Research Methods

As social beings, each of us experiences and makes claims about the social world. As social scientists, in order to make credible claims, we must base them in rigorous research practices. This course will provide a general understanding of such practices, in order to give you the tools to conduct your own research, and evaluate the research of others.

Soc  331 - Criminology

This course examines crime, criminal patterns, and causes of crime using a theoretical lens. Our primary focus is learning and applying criminological theory. Students will practice viewing crime, law, and theories as criminologists.  While some may see criminological theories as simply explanations for why people do “bad” things, we use theory to explain crime as products of the social, political, and economic conditions of the period during which they were created. This class examines these ideas and their application to real world issues.

Classes under preparation

JS - Corrections           

This course is designed to acquaint individuals with the role of corrections in America. It is an examination of the broad spectrum of systems, processes and people that constitute the field of corrections. Whenever possible, practical orientation to the field of corrections will be explored. This course includes the history of corrections, current practices, and the impact of law and political on the system and prisoners.

JS 340 - Crime, Justice and the Media

This course is a critical analysis of how the media portrays crime, criminals and the criminal justice system. It examines the fictions of the media and how that compares to the reality of crime and justice. It also examines how the media shapes public opinions and what impact that has on the criminal justice system.

JS 310 - Victimology

This course introduces students to the field of victimology.  During the course we will examine how people become victims of crime and the effects of their victimization.  The course will also look at victimization data and how it is collected and used.  As we examine theories of victimology you will gain understanding of how we came to treat victims the way we do.