TEACHING

I have taught a range of upper and lower level undergraduate and graduate courses on topics within International Relations. Between my time teaching at the University of Florida, Jagiellonian University (Poland) and American University (D.C.) I have offered numerous courses that emphasize the interdisciplinary nature of world politics, often drawing diverse students from the university as my courses have been cross-listed in Political Science, Gender Studies, European Studies, Sociology and Philosophy departments. My approach to teaching is guided by the central tenet that students learn best when it is clear the content matters in their own lives. Therefore, I strive in every instance to de-mystify the often assumed distance between political structures and everyday life by finding creative ways to make my courses relevant.

In 2023, I was certified as a Green Teacher by American University's Green Teaching Program that recognizes professors committed to implementing environmentally-friendly measures in all courses.

Teaching awards received

Nominee for Outstanding Teaching in an Adjunct Faculty Position Award - SIS, American University (2023)
Best Graduate Student Teacher - Political Science Department, University of Florida (2019)
Best Graduate Student Teacher - Political Science Department, University of Florida (2020)
Anderson Scholar Faculty Honoree for Outstanding Teaching - University of Florida (2019) (this is an honor awarded by undergraduate students to inspirational professors)

Recent Courses Taught

Comparative Grand Strategy (SIS-653-018 / American University / Fall 2023)

This course examines debates surrounding the concept of grand strategy and does so with a significant focus on current challenges and comparative case studies, including but not limited to the experience of the United States. This course occurs as recent events in the international arena alter political possibilities and opportunities allowing states to chart new paths as they navigate a tumultuous global environment of the 21st century. While 'great powers' remain central, 'middle powers' and small states have grown increasingly assertive and influential in an environment of rising tensions between the US and China, the return of full-scale war in Europe, proliferation of new technologies, and pandemic politics. This course begins by exploring the various conceptions of grand strategy and competing theoretical explanations surrounding grand strategy formulation. In the second section, the course applies these theoretical insights in examining a range of case studies, from the US and China to smaller states like Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, and Canada, each with very different geopolitical characteristics. In the final section, the course considers the future of grand strategy by critically engaging with arguments surrounding the concept's demise and indispensability to global politics.

Alliance Diplomacy, The War on Terror and Transnational Security Threats (SIS-653-024 / American University / Spring 2023)

This course examines the Global War on Terror (GWOT) through alliance politics among the United States and its key allies. While scholarly examinations of transnational terrorist threats overwhelming focus on America, this course decenters the United States to elucidate perspectives of key U.S. allies in exploring how alliance diplomacy shaped the so- called ‘GWOT’. The course surveys theoretical approaches to alliance diplomacy and the scope of the GWOT and its composite conflicts, including missions in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Libya. The course contextualizes the GWOT within the national contexts of key U.S. allies, including the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Poland, Japan and others.

International Political and Economics Organizations (WSM-BA-GLAD-36 / Jagiellonian University / Spring 2022)

This course introduces current theoretical debates surrounding the impact of international organizational structures in IR. Traditional theories of international organization are critically analyzed in light of contemporary political challenges to global cooperation including BREXIT, the COVID-19 pandemic, and human rights violations.

Gender and International Relations (INR 4085 / University of Florida / Spring 2019 online / Fall 2019 / Spring 2020)

This course surveys theoretical and empirical issues related to the study of gender in IR. We begin from the position that an understanding of the global political order is only possible through understanding the global gender order. Topics covered include: gender in militarization, security, queer IR, post-colonial feminisms, and international political economy.

Theories of International Relations (INR 3603 / University of Florida / Spring 2018)

This course introduces students to the main theoretical approaches in the discipline of IR by focusing on eight key texts that have significantly shaped the sub-field, varying in terms of methodological and conceptual approaches. Topics covered include: Neo-realist, Neo-liberal institutionalist theory, Feminist, Post-structuralist, and Post-colonial IR theories.

Writing in the Social Sciences (SYA 4506 / University of Florida / Fall 2020 online)

This course surveys various writing strategies and skills within the social sciences in formulating thoughtful social analysis. We explore the components of well-written research and each student completes a semester-long project where they carry out their own original social science research project.