Undergraduate
Douglas Slaybaugh
Title:
Professor of History
Education:
B.S. Iowa State University; M.A. Iowa State University; Ph.D. Cornell University
Areas of Expertise/Research Interests:
U.S. politics, society, and culture in the 20th century; biography
Testimonial:
What I like most about Saint Michael's students is their friendliness and curiosity.
What do you like most about teaching/working at Saint Michael's College?
The interaction with students and the opportunity to share our excitement about ideas and books is great fun.
What inspires students the most in your classes and/or your academic area? Students are drawn to the recent past because it often involves events familiar to them, their parents, and other relatives and friends. They like getting a deeper understanding of history they can relate to themselves and people they know.
What inspires students the most in your classes and/or your academic area? Students are drawn to the recent past because it often involves events familiar to them, their parents, and other relatives and friends. They like getting a deeper understanding of history they can relate to themselves and people they know.
What is your favorite class to teach, and why?
It's hard to choose, but perhaps Presidential Elections. I usually teach it in the fall of a presidential election year and like to integrate study of the on-going campaign with that of historical campaigns. This has been a good way to help students understand why candidates, parties, the media, and the whole electoral process is the way it is.
What kinds of unique opportunities are available to students in your classes or department?
I use debates and role-playing in many of my courses. They provide a unique opportunity for student-to-student interaction and a more spontaneous kind of learning to take place.
E-mail Address: dslaybaugh@smcvt.edu
