Photo by Thomas Campbell

Curtis Haaga admits that teaching logic isn’t the easiest job in the world. The recipient of a Teaching Excellence Award in instructor/clinical faculty said that most students expect his introductory logic class to be “difficult and boring.”

Luckily for them, he injects energy and humor in his philosophy lectures.

“I’ve discovered that a touch of quirky humor goes a long way toward keeping students alert,” Haaga said. “To that end, I have evolved a sort of classroom mythology involving jello, malt liquor, marsupials and ancient Greek philosophers. These are the subject matter of many of the sentences that show up in the homework and on the tests.”

Comic relief aside, Haaga goes above and beyond the call of duty to ensure students understand the material. Twice a week, he conducts study sessions and every test is returned with a copy of the answer key to allow students the opportunity to review their errors.

“He knows his students well, and it is obvious he cares about their progess,” said a colleague. “Students clearly like him and enjoy being in his class. It is inspiring to see him teach.”

The award carries a trophy and $5,000 prize is given in recognition of outstanding teaching by faculty instructors, clinical faculty, research faculty, artist affiliates and lecturers.

Mike Emery
Staff writer

View full list of 2009 award recipients                          Past award recipients