Teaching

My teaching focus is on Canadian politics, voting and elections, political parties, race and ethnicity, and research methods.

I believe that teaching needs to combine two things – a sense of narrative and discovery, and hands-on practice. That means that I try to design my courses, and individual lectures, with an ongoing theme that develops over the term. I also try to give students concrete scenarios to reinforce concepts as often as possible, including practical assignments, in-class exercises, and peer feedback.

Sample of Courses Taught

Identities and Elections (POL2103, University of Toronto St. George)

This course examines the link between social identities and political behaviour. Multiple identities will be examined, including ethnic, gender, national, and party identities, among others. These identities affect politics and public opinion, and are in turn influenced by political events and social context. The course will draw on political science and social-psychology research in established democracies.

Diversity and Identity in Canadian Politics (POL491, University of Toronto Mississauga)

This course is about the politics of diversity in Canada, as related to immigration, multiculturalism, race and ethnicity, and indigenous people. A history of colonialization and immigration means that our society today is exceptionally diverse, but Canada has a reputation as a tolerant and multicultural country. In what way is this true, or false? What are the consequences of this for our society and politics?

Politics and Government of the United States (POL 203Y, University of Toronto Mississauga)

This is a full-year course on American politics, which covers institutions like Congress, the Presidency, and the Supreme Court, major historical developments and their current effects, like the Civil War and the New Deal, modern politics such as social media campaigning and polarization, and major issues like immigration, inequality, and war.

Methods (POL 242Y, University of Toronto Mississauga)

This is a full-year course on research methods which covers both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. The course introduces students to social science methodology, research design, and the basics of quantitative analysis.