• Overview
• Schedule
• Faculty
• Details

July 13–15, 2012 ● Fairfax, Virginia

The Liberty and the Art of Teaching Workshop advances exceptional teaching by classical liberal scholars. The workshop brings advanced graduate students and young faculty members together with expert teachers to discuss best practices for the university classroom. Topics include classroom tactics, course design principles, and methods for weaving classical liberal insights into teaching while preserving balance and encouraging students to think critically.

The seminar format will foster vigorous discussion and offer informal opportunities to share ideas and network with more than 40 participants and lecturers who are passionate about liberty and excellent teaching. Conversation will continue through group meals and a Saturday evening reception. 

Graduate students just beginning to teach and teachers with a few years of experience will benefit from the core techniques and fresh ideas presented by established faculty.

IHS provides full funding for all participants, including meals, accommodations, and program costs. Participants are responsible for travel (limited scholarships are available to cover travel expenses).

Reviews from Past Participants

“Fantastic substance; I will be a 1,000 times better at teaching liberty.”

“I was impressed by how much of the material applied to all teaching, not just liberty-related topics.”

“The faculty presenters and the participants were all great and there was a neat camaraderie.”

“Fantastic. I learned a lot about the art of teaching –especially useful after having a year and a half of experience and experimentation.”

Curriculum

Based on attendee’s feedback from last year’s successful workshop, this year’s curriculum will include more active components, including two breakout workshops (by discipline) on syllabus design and presentation skills. Applicants will be required to bring in a syllabus and prepare a short presentation.

Workshop Topic Sampling:

• Classroom dynamics—alternatives to “chalk and talk”
• Working with various student learning styles
• Including classical liberal themes intocurricula while preserving balanced, open discussion
• Research-backed methods to improve critical thinking
• Course design and organization
• Using research to improve teaching
• How to lead engaging discussions
• Presentation skills
• View the tentative workshop schedule.

Faculty

The workshop faculty is composed of  experienced professors from a variety of disciplines, plus guests from nearby think tanks We are still in discussion with faculty for this year’s workshop. Past year faculty included

• Harvey Brightman, Management and Decision Sciences, Georgia State University
• Antony Davies, Economics, Duquesne University
• John Hasnas, Law and Business, Georgetown University
• Dirk Mateer, Economics, Penn State University
• James Stacey Taylor, Philosophy, The College of New Jersey

Eligibility

Graduate students and college or university faculty are eligible to apply. Preference will be given to advanced PhD students and early-career faculty. A serious interest in classical liberal thought and in teaching at the college/university level is essential. Scholars in the humanities and social sciences will benefit most directly from the workshop, but students and professors from all disciplines are eligible.

Location

The workshop will take place at The Mason Inn Conference Center and Hotel, located on the scenic George Mason University campus in historic Fairfax, Virginia.