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Teaching Goals
Although each course has its own goals and purposes, I try to
keep the following goals in mind in all of my courses
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Disciplinary Content: As a member of the academy and a
particular academic discipline or disciplines, I feel a responsibility to ensure
that students learn the theoretical and conceptual underpinnings, methods,
skills, and
knowledge base related to the material for the course. We may use a variety of
methods to achieve this goal, including lecture, discussion, activities,
exercises, reading, writing, etc. We use examinations, assignments, and
other methods, to assess the extent to which students have mastered the content.
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My responsibilities: I have responsibility for choosing the
material and the readings, preparing lectures and activities, facilitating
discussions, and overall management of the class.
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Student responsibilities: You have the responsibility for
attending class regularly, following the course guidelines, completing the
assignments, studying the material outside of class time, and participating in
discussions.
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Liberation through Liberal Arts: I see education in the
liberal arts and sciences fields as a wonderful opportunity to gain liberation
from the confinement of personal history by exposure to a range of new ideas and
perspectives. I you haven't already done so, you may click on the
Liberal Arts navigation button to the left to learn more about the meaning
and value of liberal arts education. While sometimes painful, sincere attempts to understand,
integrate, and synthesize diverse information can help develop a more
comprehensive understanding of life and the world, facilitating greater human
effectiveness and satisfaction.
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My responsibilities: In addition to focusing on the content
material of the class, in order to facilitate a liberal arts perspective I have
the responsibility to place the material within a wider perspective, articulate
more comprehensive themes, and draw connections with other disciplines.
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Student responsibilities: In addition to focusing on the
specific course content, you have the opportunity to compare the information
with your existing knowledge, look for connections and comprehensive
understanding, and pay attention to topics that arouse your personal passions.
You might consider using the following methods:
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Listening: Pay careful attention to what you hear in class
and what you read. Review it, and understand it well
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Reflecting: Examine the material to see how it compares with
what you already know and your own experience, and consider the implications of
this knowledge.
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Making it your own: Applying the material to your own
experience, integrating it within your existing frame of reference.
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Personal Evolution: Since I teach courses in psychology
and human development, the content of the courses addresses important and
significant issues about human life. As a result, these course provide
students with the opportunity to apply the theories and findings that we study
to their personal development. I view this goal as optional, inviting
students to consider how the course material might relate to their own
experience.
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My responsibilities: I will point out ways in which the
material could have personal relevance and methods you might
consider for applying the material to your personal journey.
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Student opportunities: If you wish to consider responding to
this invitation, you might begin by reflecting on how the course material
applies to your own experience, feelings, and behavior and consider suggestions
for its personal application.
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