GOVT 103 Intro to American Government. Fall 2010. Professor Suzanne Robbins

          

"Curiosity," she said.  This was the answer Professor Robbins gave me when I asked why she decided to become a professor.   

After years of working on Capitol Hill and various political campaigns, Robbins believed she could make more of an effect on the world in the classroom, than in the political world.

Robbins was the first professor that sparked my interest in government. Learning government in high school is one thing, but to be taught the idealistic inner workings of the U.S government from its inception to the present from Professor Robbins was a honor.

Her engaging presence on the stage in Lecture Hall 1 startled most freshman students whom were afraid to be called on in class in room filled with 200 plus students.  Professor Robbins likes having students speak in class as it creates a diverse discussion.  However, colleagues who have audited her class feel there is more that she could do.

“My colleagues tell me that I should encourage more participation.  They say I should come off the stage and walk down the aisles…like Oprah,”

I remember my class never liked to speak up, including myself, so Robbins would always call on students from the roster. She is happy that more and more students have volunteered to speak in recent semesters.  

As a political scholar,  Robbins encourages students to read biographies because they show motivation and fact, as needed in the political world.  

One comment (below) complained about how challenging the class was for an introductory class.

Robbins responded, “I’m introducing you to college and everything about it is a challenge.”

She expects her students to go from mostly indifferent to being a little bit interest in American politics. Robbins expects at most that they become civic participants in America.

Robbins did want to part with some advice that she hopes her students will take to heart, “Everyone’s vote is equal to everyone else’s, that is what makes us equal, but don’t let anyone take that away from you.” 

Very well said. Thank you, Professor Robbins.