“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,” Pope Saint 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 Rover staff presents the following recommendations for courses offered in the 2015 fall semester.

 

Art Studio

If you’re looking to fulfill your fine arts requirement, Bill Kremer’s ceramics class is a great option. His sense of humor, openness to student creativity and flexible teaching style make ceramics an excellent choice for students of all artistic capacities.

 

 

Business

Marie Halvorsen-Ganepola is one of the best teachers at Notre Dame.  While many people may consider management to be an intuitive subject, it is actually quite easy to struggle with understanding complex management theories.  Marie (as she asks all her students to call her) does a series of hands on in-class experiments which allow her students to act out management concepts.  I don’t want to ruin any of the surprises, but in one particular activity, you get to build giant balloon structures.  It is just a lot of fun, and very informative. Her tests are very fair and indicative of her overall teaching style.

Laura Hollis is not only a superb teacher and advisor to the Rover, but also a great speaker and friend to her students.  Her teaching style makes law interesting for people who might never have considered a career as a lawyer.  Daily class is almost always an interactive lecture, in which she both asks a series of questions and answers any questions her students might have.  When I say “any question,” I mean any question.  If you have ever wondered if it was legal to get drunk with someone and then get them to sell their house to you, Hollis can tell you.  While her tests are rigorous, it is possible to excel on them as long as you attend class and have a genuine desire to learn.

Accounting is hard.  The class averages are always low, and the material itself is considered by many to be very tedious.  As a sophomore, you have a lot of choices for accounting professors.  Choose Ed Hums.  Hums does a great job of making dry material interesting by bringing in real-world examples.  Instead of spending 50 minutes on straight mathematical problems like other accounting professors, Hums give overarching theory, which puts students in a much better position for tests.  When you know why you have to do something, the how of doing that thing becomes much easier.

Other staff picks include Carl Ackermann, Martijn Cremers, and Angela Engelsen.

 

 

Economics

William Evans is teaching “Econometrics” next fall for economics majors.  Evans is an excellent economist and is the co-founder of Notre Dame’s Lab for Economic Opportunities, which partners with Catholic Charities to respond effectively to domestic poverty.  The course provides students with an understanding of when and how to use basic econometric methods in their work as economists.

Joseph Kaboski is once again offering his economics seminar “Introduction to Economics and Catholic Thought,” which satisfies the writing-intensive requirement of the economics major.  In the course students, will discuss the relationship between economics and Catholic social teaching and learn about key principles of Catholic social thought by reading key papal encyclicals and other writings.  Kaboski is an engaging professor and his course, integrating the economics discipline with the university’s mission, is an excellent choice for any students wishing to receive a well-rounded education in economics or business.

Eric Sims, a Rover advisor, is teaching “Intermediate Macro Theory” next fall.  The course is an intensive examination of macroeconomics with particular reference to the determination of economic growth, national income, employment, and the general price level.  Sims is a very popular professor and is a great person to get to know.  Taking his course during the football season is an extra bonus!

James Sullivan, co-founder, with Bill Evans, of the Lab for Economic Opportunities, is teaching “Intermediate Micro Theory” next semester.  The course is an examination of the language and analytical tools of microeconomics, emphasizing the functional relationship between the factor and product markets and resource allocation.  Sullivan fosters a love of learning in all of his students and seeks to make the theories of the course relevant and applicable.  You will certainly enjoy this required course for the economics major.

 

 

English

Peter Holland, teaching “Shakespeare and Film,” is an invaluable member of Notre Dame’s renowned Shakespeare program, bringing Shakespearean expertise and a passion for teaching and learning to the “classroom” (ie: cinema).  In this discussion-based FTT class, students will read Shakespeare’s comedies and tragedies and explore film versions ranging from 10 Things I Hate About You to Kenneth Branagh’s Much Ado About Nothing. Holland is a riveting lecturer who loves engaging in conversation with his beloved students.

Susannah Monta, who comes highly recommended to the Rover, is teaching two courses next semester.  “British Literary Traditions I” is a survey of British literature from the 8th century through the 17th century; “Herbert and Donne,” a 400-level seminar, will be an immersion into the devotional and lyric works of John Donne and George Herbert.  Monta, editor of the journal Religion and Literature, focuses her scholarly research on the relationship between literature and Reformation-era religious changes.

 

 

History

John Deak, one of the most innovative and personable teachers in the department, is teaching two courses next semester.  “Europe at War, 1900-1945” is 100-level course team-taught with Sebastian Rosato, and “European Revolutions of 1848” is an upper-level seminar with a syllabus that a diverse list of primary sources.  Deak is an entertaining lecturer with an impressive bank of knowledge about Europe.

Thomas Kselman is arguably the best member of the History Department.  In his class “Modern France,” he does an excellent job of weaving in cultural, political, and religious themes.  He is 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 and 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.

Semion Lyandres, teaching “20th Century Russia: Rasputin to Putin,” and a university seminar, is a scholar of modern Russian history.  His wit, sense of humor, and kindly nature make him popular among students, but his vast range of knowledge and passion for European history is what makes his classes truly academically enriching.

Father Bill Miscamble, CSC, is a long-time Rover advisor.  He will teach “Making Australia” and “Catholics & US Public Life.”  Father Miscamble is an exciting lecturer, never letting a class go by without several amusing comments, and he cares deeply for his students.  He will keep you enthralled in the history of his own home country, Australia, and will undoubtedly impart a wide range of historical knowledge in both courses.

Other top Rover picks include Steven Brady, Patrick Griffin, Mark Noll, and Paul Ocobock.

 

 

Italian Studies

Christian Moevs is teaching “Passages to Italy” and “Medieval Renaissance Italian Literature and Culture” during the fall semester.  Moevs, one of the world’s leading Dante scholars, is a charismatic, energetic, and brilliant professor who cares deeply for his students and lets his faith guide his work.  Any class with Moevs will be an excellent opportunity to spend time reading great literature under the guidance of one of the university’s finest professors.

Vittorio Montemaggi will be teaching “Reading Primo Levi,” an upper-level literature course taught in Italian.  The class will center on Levi’s Se questo è un uomo, an account of his time in Auschwitz, and will include readings by Levi and others, as well as materials in Rare Books and Special Collections.  Montemaggi, a perennial favorite among students, is an innovative and engaging scholar whose interests include the intersection between religion and literature.  Creating a tight-knit classroom community and guiding students towards truth are but two of his many strengths as a teacher.

 

 

Music

Larry Dwyer is teaching his regular “Introduction to Jazz” course again in the fall.  The course is difficult to enroll in due to high demand, but it is certainly worth pursuing as an elective or to fulfill the university requirement in fine arts.  As a music appreciation course, no musical background is required, and students will gain an understanding and knowledge of the most significant musicians, styles, and structures of jazz music.

 

 

Philosophy

Alfred Freddoso is teaching two courses for undergraduate students next fall: a 200-level “Introduction to Philosophy” that will focus on the writings of Plato, Aquinas, Descartes, Hume, Mill, and Nietzsche, and a course on “Aquinas on Faith, Hope, and Charity.”  Every student would benefit from taking a course with Professor Freddoso, especially those who are fans of the Buffalo Bills!

Sean Kelsey will be teaching an upper-level course on Aristotle for students pursuing a major or minor in philosophy.  The course will serve as an in-depth examination and evaluation of Aristotle’s philosophy with special emphasis on his logical, physical, and metaphysical writings.  Kelsey is an excellent scholar of Aristotle and an engaging professor.

David O’Connor, a perennial favorite, is offering two courses in the fall semester.  “Erotic Plato” will revolve around Plato’s Symposium and Phaedrus, and students will work with the texts in their original Greek; “Odysseys of the Self,” a popular college seminar, focuses on the journey of self-discovery through such works as Homer’s Odyssey, J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, and Wagner’s operas.  O’Connor is an engaging and friendly professor, and his classes will enhance any schedule.

Adrian Reimers will teach a 200-level Introduction to Philosophy course entitled “Ethics & Politics,” as well as “Philosophy of Human Nature,” which will fulfill the second university requirement in philosophy.  Reimers has a strong desire to involve students in class discussion and crafts engaging questions to make philosophical material relevant to modern issues.  He is an accomplished philosopher, and his knowledge does not stop there; he is well known for enlivening his lectures with a variety of interesting and uncommon anecdotes.

 

 

Political Science

Phillip Muñoz, a Rover advisor, is teaching a junior seminar on “Church and State.”  Muñoz is an engaging and energetic scholar of religion and public policy, and he conducts class fairly and with regard for student input.  As the founding director of the Potenziani Program in Constitutional Studies, he has in-depth knowledge of the subject matter to be covered in this class.

Michael Zuckert, another Rover advisor, is teaching the senior seminar “Lincoln.”  Zuckert, along with his wife Catherine, are well-known students and scholars of Leo Strauss and his political philosophy.  The course is sure to bring about a serious and balanced engagement with the life and actions of President Abraham Lincoln under Zuckert’s expert guidance.

 

 

Program of Liberal Studies

Jennifer Martin will be teaching “Christian Theological Traditions,” and she is an extremely engaging and accessible professor.  Relatively new to PLS, Professor Martin is an expert in her field and knows theology extremely well.  More importantly, she knows how best to communicate her vast knowledge to her students via engaging lectures.  She facilitates classroom discussion well and is helpful during conferences about paper topics.

Henry Weinfield will be teaching two courses in the fall: his speciality, “Literature I: The Lyric Poem,” and “Great Books Seminar III.”  He is an outstanding professor and works tirelessly with his students to improve their writing.  Possessing a clear passion for his work and studies, Professor Weinfield enters the classroom each day in a positive, enthusiastic, and kind manner.  His classes challenge and entertain his students—studying with Professor Weinfield is truly a transformational experience and should not be missed.

 

 

Theology

Gary Anderson is teaching a large section of “Foundations of Theology: Biblical/Historical” next semester.  This first course in theology, required for all undergraduate students, offers a critical study of the Bible and early Christian tradition.  Anderson is a leading biblical scholar and seeks to foster a love and understanding of theology in all of his students.  You cannot find a better professor to teach this introductory theology course.

John Cavadini, a Rover advisor, will be teaching “Christian Traditions I” this fall.  This class explores the writings of various prominent theologians from the time of the early Church all the way to the fourteenth century. While this is a required course for theology majors, Cavadini makes it both exciting and informative.  From his “homespun analogies” to his mind-blowing insights on St. Augustine and other Church fathers, Cavadini’s teaching methods and lecture style will make you actually want to do the assigned readings and continue your quest for theological truth far beyond the course.

David Fagerberg  is offering a one credit course called “The Church in Poland, Iconography, and John Paul II on the Human Person,” which will culminate in a class trip to Poland over fall break.  Fagerberg is also teaching the instant classic “Chesterton and Catholicism.”  Readings will include Orthodoxy, The Everlasting Man, Chesterton’s biographies of Thomas Aquinas and Francis of Assisi, and “What’s Wrong with the World.”  Fagerberg offers profound insights into the figures that he lectures on and will bring Chesterton to life for his students.

Monsignor Michael Heintz is also teaching “Christian Traditions I” in the fall.  Trads I is one of the most informative classes a student interested in theology can take, and Msgr. Heintz is one of the department’s best (and funniest) teachers.

Cyril O’Regan is teaching an upper-level course on “The Theology of Benedict XVI.”  The aim of the course is to give an overview of the theology of Pope Benedict XVI, focusing on encyclicals such as God is Love, Charity in Truth, Saved in Hope, and other writings and speeches of Benedict XVI such as Jesus of Nazareth, God’s Word, and The Regensburg Lecture.  O’Regan is among the finest theologians in the world and a course with him will not soon be forgotten.

Gabriel Reynolds is an expert on the relationship between Christianity and Islam, and is offering a 200-level course in the fall that fulfills the second university theology requirement: “Islam and Christian Theology.” Reynolds draws his students into a thoughtful dialectic involving two of the Abrahamic traditions, encouraging his students to explore more deeply the similarities and differences of these two faiths.

Joseph Wawrykow is offering a course on “Aquinas, Faith, and Wisdom” that will fulfill the second university requirement in theology.  Wawrykow specializes in 13th-century scholastic theology, and his course will offer a theological introduction to the main teachings of the Christian faith via the writings of St. Thomas Aquinas.  The course promises to be a very worthwhile as a second university requirement.

 

 

Writing and Rhetoric

Okay freshmen, now’s the time for around half of you to start thinking about good ol’ Writing and Rhetoric.  Some of you may be looking forward to it with eager anticipation, but I would wager that the majority just want to check the box and move on with your lives.  However, if you want a truly engaging class to actually help you improve your writing abilities, there is no better professor than Elizabeth Capdevielle.  Her class will challenge you, but in the end you will emerge with newfound competence and confidence in your writing that will serve you well as an upperclassman.