Sterling

My specific research interests include Scottish Nationalism and British Politics and I have taught courses in subjects ranging from American and Comparative Politics to European Union Foreign Policy and Political Discourse. I have a passionate interest in political history and enjoy sharing that interest with students. In addition, I am currently on a leave of absence from my doctoral program in the Humanities (Studies in Culture). My area of interest is early modern Atlantic maritime culture, particularly political and socioeconomic culture, and my dissertation is a study of early 18th-century pirates and their expressions of political identity. While my research interests are varied, I am particularly interested in early modern political culture in the British Atlantic world. I also have experience teaching in the Humanities. I have taught courses as varied as American Culture and World Literature to Celtic & Norse Mythology. I very much believe in an interdisciplinary approach to understanding any subject and often employ a variety of methodologies in the classroom. I am also fond of employing unorthodox teaching methodologies, including roleplaying, crisis simulations, and games. My teaching philosophy is based, first and foremost, on sparking an interest in the subject matter. Whether it's turning history from a monotonous recitation of names and dates into an epic narrative of adventure or breaking the student out of their own limited worldview and encouraging them to adopt a very different perspective, my methods can be very effective because I seek to connect the material to the student's own experiences and interests. Without that connection, there can be no motivation and without motivation there can be no learning.

Maritime History, Scottish History, Sailing, Aviation, Horseback Riding, Hiking & Backpacking, Writing, Gaming