As a humanist I firmly believe that students cannot understand the past without consulting a broad context. This is why the liberal arts – literature, music, art, philosophy, religion, and the sciences – feature so prominently in my classes. Students who are well educated in a variety of subjects¬¬ will be well prepared for the modern world, whether it’s getting a job or simply living life as fully as possible. Critical thinking and writing is emphasized in all of my classes, as these are the key skills that will help students navigate and understand the rapid changes they will face throughout their lives.