DART like a champion today

Staff Editorial

“University teachers should seek to improve their competence and endeavour to set the content, objectives, methods, and results of research in an individual discipline within the framework of a coherent world vision,” Bl. Pope John Paul II wrote in his 1990 apostolic constitution on Catholic universities, Ex Corde Ecclesiae. “Christians among the teachers are called to be witnesses and educators of authentic Christian life, which evidences attained integration between faith and life, and between professional competence and Christian wisdom. All teachers are to be inspired by academic ideals and by the principles of an authentically human life.”

Recognizing the important role professors can play not only as instructors but also as mentors and models, the Roverstaff presents the following recommendations for courses offered in the 2014 spring semester.

American Studies

Kathleen Cummings is offering the course “Catholics in America.” Cummings has done incredible work with the Cushwa Center, and has been recognized by media outlets across the nation for her analysis of Pope Francis and contemporary Catholic culture. She cares deeply about her students and makes herself available outside of class for help with material or friendly chats.

Applied Mathematics and Mathematics

Anne Pilkingtonis teaching a 1000 level course called “Mathematics in Sport.” For students who may not be too keen on math (and those who are), Pilkington is very thorough in her explanations and takes the time to answer any questions you might have. She has a quirky personality and keeps students’ attention with jokes and clever examples, often concerning Harry Potter. Perhaps Quidditch will be a featured sport?

Zhiliang Xu is teachinga course called “Advanced Scientific Computing” in the Applied Mathematics department this spring. The focus of the course is parallel computing and algorithm optimization. Xu is willing to go above and beyond in answering any questions you have and shows a real interest in helping his students. He makes himself available to help you—make sure to ask questions. Furthermore, the class is primarily based on four programming projects. If you are interested in computing at all, this is a great course to take. It is very challenging, but if you spend time with the material and ask a lot of questions, you will enjoy it.

Biology

Giles Duffield, teaching “Vertebrate (Human) Physiology,” presents the material in a methodical manner and uses PowerPoint slides to reinforce the concepts he is covering. He is very accessible outside of class and is willing to clarify concepts in office hours if needed. His exams are a fair representation of the material that is covered in lecture.

If you’re looking to fulfill a natural science requirement with a fairly challenging and informative class, “Evolution and Society” with Kenneth Filchakis the way to go. Subject matter is engaging and interesting, and homework is quite manageable, but make sure you do it.

Business

Laura Hollis, one of the Rover’s faculty advisors, is offering a great “Introduction to Entrepreneurship” class in the spring. This course serves both as the foundational course for Entrepreneurship majors and an overview of entrepreneurship fundamentals for non-business majors. Students are introduced to competing definitions of entrepreneurship, its history and role in free market enterprise as an engine of economic growth, wealth creation and improvement of the human condition; entrepreneurial personality traits and skill sets, and the mechanics of bringing a new product or service to market, including innovation and ideation, technology “push” and market “pull,” disruptive business models and the elements of feasibility analyses and venture plans.

Brian Leveywill be teaching ethics courses and a course on fraud, in which you get to watch movies.Levey is down to earth, easy to talk to and very intelligent. He has plenty of experience in the business world as well as in teaching, so he is a great resource to talk to about the “real world.”

Robert Lewandowski teaches “IT Management Applications,” and is very organized and methodical in his teaching style. He presents lessons thoroughly and follows up with in-class activities to reinforce the concepts and allow students to ask questions. His homework assignments are great preparation for the assessments. The skills gained from this course are relevant to a variety of business internships and are a great talking point in interviews.

I would highly recommend taking anything from Elizabeth Tuleja. She has so much knowledge of the world around her, and often brings up stories in class from her years spent living and teaching in Hong Kong. She recognizes the importance of having a global mindset in business and highly encourages students to think outside of their comfort zone. Tuleja teaches “Intercultural Communications” as a 1.5 credit course, which is a wonderful introduction to the importance of being able to connect with people that are different from you.

Chemistry

If you get slightly terrified when you hear the words “organic chemistry,” don’t be! Professor James Parisewill calm those nerves. He is a great professor who gives excellent class lectures and easy-to-follow notes and explanations.

Classics

If you are taking anything Greek, take it with Sarah Murray. Her classes are relaxed and enjoyable, and she is a bona fide philhellene who loves discussing Greek culture. If you’re lucky you may earn a class trip to local Greek restaurants for “cultural immersion” experiences. Tab’s on Murray.

Economics

Timothy Fuerst will be teaching “Principles of Macroeconomics” in the spring. This is a required course for all Economics majors and is required for many business students as well and can satisfy the university social science requirement. Fuerst is one of the most-cited economists in the world and is one of the most well-respected economists in his field. He has a great sense of humor and his lectures are always entertaining. Fuerst likes to whistle and say, “Hot Dog!”

Joseph Kaboskiis offering a class called “Introduction to Economics and Catholic Social Thought.” You must have taken one of the principles of economics courses to enroll on this class, but for anyone interested in the intersection of economics and faith this a great class to take. Participation will be required in this class, and Kaboski is a great teacher and a great man.

If you need an econ class for your major or minor, “Principles of Microeconomics” with Michael Mogaverois the way to go. He is quirky and likes to call on students, but he keeps the class engaged and spends most of his time thoroughly explaining the concepts you need to know. Mogavero gets you excited about economics by showing how everything is connected. English

If you are looking to take from a great English professor, look no farther than Thomas Werge. This spring, he is offering his popular Mark Twain course and a university seminar. Werge loves to hear what his students think about literature, and his classes manage a nice balance between lecture and discussion. He keeps class enjoyable with his sense of humor, anecdotes about baseball and historical events and insightful analysis.

If you have decided to become an English major (great decision—congratulations!) you should take Matthew Wilkins’ “Introduction to Literary Studies” course. He is sincere, respectful, knowledgeable and he really cares about his students, their education and their opinions. Most importantly, he loves what he does.

History

Brad Gregory’s class “Christianity, Commerce, and Consumerism” is an incredibly thought-provoking class that elucidates some of the west’s current social mores. It includes a wide array of primary source reading as well as lectures packed with Gregory’s cogent thinking. “Christianity, Commerce, and Consumerism” is an excellent chance to benefit from a world-class historian and a man of deep faith.

Thomas Kselmandoes an excellent job of weaving in the cultural and religious history of a particular time and place. His classes are rigorous but fair, introducing the student to a real study of history. Kselman is a superb lecturer who welcomes input from the class and accommodates the interests of his students both in class time as well as by allowing them to pick the topics for their larger assignments. Religious history is one of his areas of expertise and students will learn much about the history of the Catholic Church in his class.

Thomas Noblewill be teaching “The World of the Middle Ages” this semester. He is a renowned historian who specializes in religious history among other things. Noble knows about ten different languages and has translated many important texts in his field. His classes are difficult, but are well worth the effort.

“World History of 20th Century Christianity” taught by Mark Noll presents a fascinating picture of Christianity around the globe. Students will learn that “hot button” issues in Africa barely resemble hot button issues in America, that the southern hemisphere features rapid growth of Christianity, and much more. Noll has traveled and presented in many of the countries he will discuss in class, and is a friendly wealth of information.

Other staff picks include Semion Lyandres, John McGreevyand Father Thomas Blantz, CSC.

Italian

Parlando di italiano, take whatever you can with Zygmunt Baranski, one of the world’s leading Dante scholars. Zyg (as he prefers to be called) fosters a thoughtful classroom atmosphere in which the beauty of Italian culture is easily accessible. This spring, Zyg is offering courses on Italian cinema, advanced Italian studies and “Life as Art & Commitment.” Don’t pass up this chance to study with a world-renowned scholar.

If you are taking Italian language courses, take anything that Patrick Viviritois teaching. Vivirito is a great instructor and has mastered the ability to create the perfect classroom environment in which to learn a foreign language. He just might teach you how to play Italian card games too, which are not nearly as fun as Go Fish but are nevertheless “authentic.”

Philosophy

Curtis Franksis teaching a seminar on “Skepticism and Naturalism.” You will enjoy getting to know Franks—I highly recommend attending office hours regularly—as much as you’ll enjoy learning how to think (and not think) about philosophical skepticism.

Long-time Roverfaculty advisor Fred Freddosois offering two courses in philosophy next semester: an Intro course and “Aquinas on Human Nature.” Given the cultural confusion about man’s nature and essence, the latter course especially promises to pay dividends. Class participants can also enjoy goading Freddoso about how bad the Buffalo Bills are every year.

Freddoso’s fellow Thomist John O’Callaghanis teaching the joint philosophy and theology seminar (along with Father Brian Daley, SJ) on the thought of Aquinas and Augustine. Departmental permission required. Additionally, O’Callaghan will teach a graduate course on “Aquinas’ Disputed Questions on the Soul”—undergraduates can consult with O’Callaghan to register.

David O’Connoris one of the university’s most well-known philosophy professors, and for good reason. He offers a variety of courses, but next spring he will be offering only two: “Epic Plato,” which is as excellent a choice as any for anyone looking to take a rewarding 3000 level college seminar; and “Odysseys of Self,” a fulfilling seminar that opens your eyes to the connections between the works of Homer, Wagner and Tolkien (also a college seminar).

Political Science

Patrick Deneen, an advisor to the Rover, is teaching “Political Theory” next spring. Beloved by students for his big-picture thinking, classical orientation, engagement with the student population and friendly rivalry with Professor Phillip Muñoz (who unfortunately is on leave for the next two springs), Deneen is not to be missed.

Mary Keysis once again offering the wonderful first-year seminar on “Politics and Literature: J.R.R. Tolkien.” If you like Tolkien and his writing and are comfortable revealing how much you know about Middle-earth, this is definitely the class for you. Even if you have never read Tolkien’s work, you will be welcomed. This course pays special attention to many political problems and themes that come to light through Tolkien’s narratives and characters. It is certainly one of the best first-year seminar on offer here at Notre Dame.

Theology

John Betzis teaching “Foundations of Theology” this spring. He is a passionate and knowledgeable teacher. Each class he elucidates the assigned text. Although he often assigns too much reading for us to discuss in class, this does not end up being problematic. Rather, it gives more material for written assignments and gives more opportunity for personal growth. Betz begins each class with prayer and cares deeply for the spiritual growth of his students.

Any course offered by Roverfaculty advisor John Cavadini will be a profound experience. Look for his name in Class Search if you want to take theology courses beyond the university requirements. Also, anytime you see the names Gabriel Reynolds, (Monsignor) Michael Heintzor Cyril O’Regan, flock to them. You will not be disappointed.

David W. Fagerberg is teaching a course titled “Transfiguration in the Fiction of C.S. Lewis” this spring, which is fitting since Fagerberg has a deep, rich voice not unlike Aslan’s. This course is open to non-majors who have completed both university requirements, and students will enjoy the opportunity to engage both Lewis’ fiction and non-fiction.

Adrian Reimers is offering a course on the “Philosophy and Theology of the Body,” which promises to be both popular and relevant. Drawing almost exclusively from Blessed Pope John Paul II’s writings, this discussion-based course will also examine Pope Paul VI’s encyclical Humanae Vitae. Well worth your Monday and Wednesday mornings. Registrants must have completed both university requirements in theology.