The Beautiful ... Dartmouth's Best ProfessorsJohn Rassias Rassias is perhaps Dartmouth's most famous professor. His innovative theories on the teaching of foreign languages led to Dartmouth's LSA programs, drill sessions, and language lab. His teaching style verges on the outrageous. In class, he dresses up as Montesquieu, throws raw meat around, breaks eggs on students' heads, and rips his shirt off — all in the line of teaching. When he teaches, students flock to his class. He even occasionally teaches introductory French. Rassias' instruction is something no Dartmouth student should miss.
Government majors shouldn't miss this Jeopardy champion/Russian specialist's courses on Russian politics and foreign policy. Nichols demands long research papers from his students but rewards them with spirited discussions about the topical, current situation in Russia—which he has experienced first-hand through regular trips to the former Soviet Union. Nichols' lectures are clear, organized, and interesting. He is one of the few remaining Dartmouth professors who demands that papers be handed in on time.
Professor Lagomarsino is not afraid to buck the trend of political correctness and conventional wisdom. For example, he teaches that the inquisition was more fair than most judicial procedures of its time. Lagomarsino's most popular class is History 44, 'Spain in the Golden Age,' where he takes you inside Spain's deep labyrinth. Take his course to find out which Pope kept stolen horses in his confessionals.
An engaging lecturer, Saccio is Dartmouth's premier Shakespeare scholar. He teaches a great course on Modern British Drama as well. Professor Saccio truly loves the material, and this is readily apparent in class. His flair for the dramatic manifests itself in his teaching style — this is a man who used to wear a cape around Hanover. He is therefore an ideal man to teach Shakespeare. His comments on students' papers are especially helpful.
Professor Cook's natural gift for reading poetry and his legendary sense of humor make him one of the English Department's most popular teachers. Those attracted by his charisma are rewarded with his remarkable analysis of the works he teaches. The only downside: many students are turned away from his classes due to overcrowding.
Professor Crossley is one of the most intellectually rigorous professors at the College. A student can fill a ream of notes from one of her lectures. Yet, her amusing anecdotes about historical figures manage to break up the mind-boggling density of each class. She speaks innumerable Asian languages and is one of the worlds leading experts on the Manchus. Take her Chinese history offerings and 'The Intellectual History of East Asia.'
A preeminent Hume scholar, Professor Fogelin also teaches superb classes on Plato, Kant, and Wittgenstein. Fogelin introduces his students to the complete philosophical world-views of each thinker covered in his class, and this teaching style proves to be most effective. Fogelin is perhaps the best equipped professor to help one understand the cryptic writings of Kant.
This man is a ball of nervous energy. He is always eager to lecture all who will listen, even outside the classroom. Don't think of interrupting Stinson while he's talking. Professor Stinson's passionate lectures on Catholic theology are convincing, even proselytising. He believes in it, after all. If any of you sign up for office hours, we suggest you set aside several hours and be sure to bring a chair.
Although Professor Scott teaches mostly upper level ancient Greek courses, he will occasionally teach introductory level classical literature. Among his many scholarly achievements: Scott has translated Plato's Republic and Aeschylus' Prometheus Bound, both of which are highly regarded in the field. Still, Scott is anything but intimidating. His enthusiasm, humor, and friendly demeanor make him a Dartmouth favorite.
Ben-Or's Religion classes rank with the best offered at Dartmouth. In class, Ben-Or thrills students with his extensive vocabulary and takes 'great care in teaching.' He has a strong, yet considered, stance on the Jewish tradition, and carefully explains how he has come to his various conclusions. If you have an interest in studying Judaism or simply want to experience a great professor at work, take one of Ben-Or's classes.
Professor Wykes' dedication to teaching is demonstrated by his wellÒprepared lectures, extensive office hours, and pages of comments written on students' works. His English 60 lectures on the King James Bible are made interesting by his combination of scholarly language and dry English wit.
Many students cite Professor Kreider's positive attitude as the only thing that kept them going on those long nights of frustrating problem solving. He is able to simplify the most difficult and esoteric math formulae and programs, a great benefit to confused students.
Professor Shewmaker's History 34, U.S. Foreign Relations to 1865, is not a course to overlook. Although the reading is onerous, he is a demanding discussion leader and a tough grader. His lectures are so spirited that some students believe he knew Daniel Webster personally.
Professor Shookman's German literature classes are outstanding. Shookman's teaching style is fluid yet unobtrusive, allowing students to discourse freely and develop ideas on their own. He is always willing to help students with anything from learning the most basic grammar to understanding large-scale literary movements, and is also extremely understanding with any problems students might encounter over the course of the term. Even if you don't speak German, his classes in translation are excellent. It should be noted, further, that the German department as a whole is exceptional.
Economics 10 is a mandatory course for economics majors, and if you find yourself in this class, Professor Knetter is the professor you want. He has a casual manner, and he often uses characters from a recent movie or his favorite basketball player to illustrate a difficult statistical concept. Knetter offers a rigorous teaching style. He does his best to stimulate class participation and make economics fun, a skill few other Economics professors possess.
Professor Masters is the Government Department's Rousseau expert. He teaches Government 6 and 64 (Modern Political Thought). Masters is also on the cutting edge of interdisciplinary research studying the nature of politics, dealt with in Government 72. Although friendly, he is a tough, unconventional discussion leader.
Whelan is a professor who presents a balanced and sound view of Soviet history. She gives solid, precisely ordered lectures and always has an anecdote or two to spruce up an otherwise dolorous subject.
Professor Mastanduno is widely considered to be the best all-around Government professor. His remarkable ability to present both sides of any issue is particularly rare and worthwhile. The students who line up outside his office to discuss U.S. foreign policy and international trade are a testament to his appeal. |
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