Teaching Philosophy

My teaching philosophy in a nutshell is the pursuit of excellence. By excellence, I mean the continuing development of skills like writing and critical thinking, deepening of knowledge of a particular subject area, improved ability to articulate one's own views, and greater appreciation of complexity and diverse perspectives. I firmly believe that education enhances life and is intrinsically valuable, in addition to the extrinsic benefits that it provides.

In my classes, I utilize cases, films, novels, current events, and experiential learning to supplement classic and contemporary texts. In the classroom, I mix standard lecture with interactive lecture, and the discussion of texts, cases, and films. My assignments, including exam essay questions, typically ask students relate course material to real world events when possible, and to engage in critical thinking rather than merely regurgitation. I ask students not only to demonstrate knowledge of course material, but also to interact with it.

Scholarly Interest

Bioethics, Business Ethics, Animals and Environmental Ethics, Religious Ethics, Ethical Theory, Pragmatism, Political Theory

RELI 34 Introduction to Religion
RELI 43 Social Ethics
RELI 44 Sex, Sin, and Salvation
RELI 140 Religion and Politics
RELI 142 Business Ethics
RELI 145 / PHIL 145 Biomedical Ethics
RELI 146 Technology, Ethics, and Religion
RELI 171 Religion & Cinema
RELI 196 Religious Studies Seminar
PACS 3 Pacific Seminar 3