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The awards were created in 1991 to recognize excellence in undergraduate
teaching. The awards are funded by the James M. Johnston Scholarship Program,
the most attractive need-based scholarships offered by the University. Winners
each receive $5,000 and a framed citation.
Jonathan Hartlyn
* Title: Professor of Political Science and Director of the Institute of
Latin American Studies
* Faculty member since: 1988
* University awarding Ph.D.: Yale
* Undergraduate classes taught last year: Introduction to Latin American
Politics, Democracy and Development in Latin America (in Spanish)
Excerpts from the citation: His focus is on Latin American Studies and is very
inspiring and has even influenced some students to change or add Latin American
Studies as their major. The chair places him in the top four of the Political
Science Department, and describes him as a professor that has it all together.
He is very organized and presents his lectures effectively, and chooses
material that helps illustrate "the reality of the impact of politics on
people's lives." In addition, he also brings a lot of his own knowledge into
the classroom, enhancing the experience for the students. He is also an
excellent mentor for students, and he designed a program for the Honors program
that hooks up faculty with students for mentoring relationships, and has more
of these students than anyone else.
As for accessibility, Hartlyn always makes sure he has time for his students.
Students feel that he is very approachable, and agree that he is fair in his
grading policies. However, they were also quick to note that he did not make it
easy for them; they all worked for their grades. They also mentioned that he
chooses good sources and engaging materials that were very well integrated in
the course. He is also very encouraging for students to continue with Latin
American Studies. One student was hoping to have Professor Hartlyn direct his
honors thesis. He challenges students to take classes they can handle but push
them to their full potential."
Teaching style/philosophy: "My goal is not only to teach students about Latin
America, but also to enhance their analytical abilities and to introduce them
to ways of thinking about politics in the region that might serve them long
after they've taken a course from me. Especially in introductory courses, I
seek to engage students by linking contemporary events with broader course
themes."
Richard Superfine
* Title: Associate Professor of Physics and Astronomy
* Faculty member since: 1992
* University awarding Ph.D.: UC - Berkeley
Undergraduate classes taught last year: How Things Work
Excerpts from the citation: As a leader in his field of study, Richard
Superfine of the Department of Physics and Astronomy is able to convey
knowledge in very creative ways and make people question why heat rises or why
a super ball is so entertaining. He enlivens the subject of physics and makes
students think for themselves and realize how physics pertains to everyday
life. Colleagues who have observed him in class call him an incredible teacher
who uses intuitive ways to elucidate the material. He is on a first-name basis
with students, and he always tries to provide research opportunities for them
in his laboratory. His classes fill every semester and have long waiting
lists.
Both physics majors and non-majors lauded his enthusiasm for teaching and
efforts to know everyone in class. He is open to questions, and he teaches by
example rather than by simply lecturing. His office hours are more of an
intense group discussion instead of a simple lesson where students listen while
the teacher talks. He has an uncanny ability to transform complicated material
into easy-to-understand concepts, but he also gives students space to explore
and figure things out for themselves.
Teaching style/philosophy: "In order for students to truly learn a subject,
they must have a need to understand. The teacher must motivate first, then
involve the student in finding the answer, even in a lecture setting."
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