Teaching
Serving as Siegel Middle History Day advisor in 2012
Why I Teach
I became a professor because we can all do better to understand, care for, respect, and communicate with one another. Developing effective critical thinking skills as adults is central to this pursuit. Learning can make us better friends, family, colleagues, citizens, and human beings.
This would be my perspective regardless of discipline. I just so happen to love the way literature and film tell us about ourselves in their style, content, form, and production. Creative texts touch both the head and the heart, at best encouraging compassionate growth and inspiring positive change to make the world a better place for each and all of us. I also love the study of history and culture, equally a part of literature and film.
Education is a slow process involving interaction with individuals at various stages of growth and self-awareness. I value my own ongoing education, which I strive to attain in various "classrooms" in my life, both formal and informal. Education is an adventure, a journey, and important hard work -- for all of us. Learning nourishes and frustrates, builds and tears down. I value the journey my students take with me and do all I can to show compassion and care as I help them value the the experience.
Some cherished student feedback:
I became a professor because we can all do better to understand, care for, respect, and communicate with one another. Developing effective critical thinking skills as adults is central to this pursuit. Learning can make us better friends, family, colleagues, citizens, and human beings.
This would be my perspective regardless of discipline. I just so happen to love the way literature and film tell us about ourselves in their style, content, form, and production. Creative texts touch both the head and the heart, at best encouraging compassionate growth and inspiring positive change to make the world a better place for each and all of us. I also love the study of history and culture, equally a part of literature and film.
Education is a slow process involving interaction with individuals at various stages of growth and self-awareness. I value my own ongoing education, which I strive to attain in various "classrooms" in my life, both formal and informal. Education is an adventure, a journey, and important hard work -- for all of us. Learning nourishes and frustrates, builds and tears down. I value the journey my students take with me and do all I can to show compassion and care as I help them value the the experience.
Some cherished student feedback:
- "I found your English class to be one of the best classes I have taken at MTSU. It left a major mark on my heart. I know I am a kinder and more understanding person because of it." (2023)
- "I want you to know that your class was truly enjoyable and that what you do matters. This class, your grace, your kindness… all of it has helped me this semester. I am coming out of this class a little bit of a better person because of you." (2021)
- "On a scale of Antman to Hulk, Dr. H is the Hulk of professor strengths." (2020)
- "You helped open my eyes to situations I was unaware of. You made me WOKE! Thank you." (2017)
In my office, 2016
RECENT COURSE OFFERINGS:
ENGL 2020 Themes in Literature and Culture
- Holocaust Survivor Literature (online)
- Women Immigrants and the American Dream (online)
ENGL 3860 Film Genre
ENGL 3885 Topics in Gender and Film: Women Film Pioneers
ENGL 4780 War and Culture: Literature and the Holocaust
ENGL 4860 Special Topics in Film: Film Noir
ENGL 6/7611 Holocaust Literature
WGST 3400 Multicultural Women's Voices (online)