I believe students learn best when they take ownership of their learning. In my classes, I use active strategies like debates, simulations, and collaborative projects to encourage engagement and discussion. My goal is to create an inclusive environment where students can explore different perspectives, take intellectual risks, and build a strong sense of community.
Introduction to Comparative Politics (Summer 2023)
A broad survey of political systems and regimes worldwide, introducing key themes of state-building, regime types, identity, political violence, and the politics of economic development and redistribution. Students engage with comparative case studies to understand how institutions and societies shape political outcomes.
Identity Politics (Fall 2024, Fall 2025)
A seminar exploring the nature of identity and its significance in politics. We examine ethnic conflict, migration, and the interaction between politicized identities and democratic institutions, while analyzing narratives in film, literature, and storytelling to understand these dynamics in context.
Politics and Values Program, Introduction to Politics I: The Theory and Practice of Democracy in America (Fall 2025)
A seminar examining the ideas and historical experiences that have shaped American democracy, from ancient Greek debates to Enlightenment theories and the founding era. We also explore how race, gender, and class have influenced the expansion—and denial—of democratic rights, emphasizing critical thinking about democratic values and civic engagement.