Special Interests
Ecocritical Theory and Criticism
Film (Specifically Environmental, Documentary, and Indigenous Film)
Writing Across Curriculum
Creative Writing (Fiction and Non-Fiction)
Teaching Philosophy
Teaching is like tending to a forest. I believe this organic metaphor best captures my teaching philosophy as it emphasizes an ecosystem approach where tree and forest are understood as intrinsically connected, each enriching the other. At the same time, both are grounded in and representative of a larger world ecosystem. As a teacher, I work with the understanding that students, like trees in a forest, are free and active agents, each individually different, yet all rooted within some contextual soil. The hope for growth is an interactive effort, and the teacher’s role is primarily to encourage students to flourish along side each other so that eventually within the larger community, each one is relatively self-sustaining, and eventually sustenance for others.
Classes
Gettysburg College
Introduction to Environmental Humanities
Environmental Film
Food: Fuel for Thought and Action (First-year Seminar)
Natural Catastrophes and Geologic Hazards
Environmental Writing
Graduate Instructor: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Department of Writing Studies
Environmental Issues in a Scitech Culture
Writing on Issues in Science and Technology
University Writing
Scientific and Professional Presentations
Graduate Instructor: University of Colorado-Boulder
English Department
Introduction to Creative Writing
Introduction to Fiction Writing
Teaching Assistant: University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Geology and Geophysics
and
Mount Holyoke College
Environmental Geology and Physical Geology
FAQ
Advising
I am often looking for good students to work with me on projects that interlace the humanities (specifically literature, film, and/or history) with concerns for environmental sustainability. If you have taken a class with me and are interested in a major or minor in environmental studies with an area concentration in the humanities, do contact me about possible projects.
Where is your office and do I need to make an appointment to stop by?
My office is located in the basement of Science Center, 154G.
You do not need an appointment to visit during my office hours (Spring 2010: F 10-11:30 am). However, it is always good to let me know if you will be stopping by as I might be talking with someone else and you might have to wait.
What should I do if I need a recommendation letter?
If you need a recommendation letter, please get in touch with me as soon as possible. When we meet, please have with you all the following relevant information:
1) The person(s) and place you would like me to send your recommendation.
2) The purpose of the program and what your role will be in it.
3) Your upgraded transcript and any additional information you think will be pertinent (such as your personal statement, if you are submitting one).