Shannon KeoughThe history department is getting a lot of buzz lately about their brand new member.
With the history and political science club forum approaching, students and faculty are preparing for a good year. As a new addition to the faculty, Courtney Smith is excited to start her first year teaching at Cabrini College.
An alumna of Cabrini, Smith majored in history and political science, graduating from the class of 2000.
For Smith, her history major opened a great career path for her as a professor.
“I knew since high school I wanted to attend a small college like Cabrini,” Smith said. The largest class she teaches has 26 students.
Smith also said she wants to keep the courses pretty similar to the way she was taught here at Cabrini. She wants to carry on the tradition she experienced.
Smith has some ways to make history class more innovative. Smith wants to show pop-culture films and listen to historical programs and music.
Smith said, “I want to use my experience to inspire students.”
This semester, Smith is teaching Europe from 1815 to 1900, Survey of United States History and American Pop Culture. Wondering what to expect from her classes, Smith said, “Expect to be challenged, I want to hear a variety of perspectives from all my students.”
As a former student from Cabrini, Smith said she can relate to the perception that history class can be challenging at times.
Smith said she gives this advice to first year students, “There are plenty of people around to help, and plenty of resources to assist you. Make sure you use it to survive the first year.”
Smith said, “One of the best things about Cabrini so far for her is how the faculty members are so engaging; they are always friendly and ready to help out.”
Smith remembers the excitement of being a graduating senior of Cabrini and wanted to give some advice to graduating seniors for this year.
“Make sure you really enjoy your job, and never stop looking for new adventures and challenges in life,” she said.
Smith will be at the Nov. 1 history and political science club forum. The forum is open to the entire Cabrini community, in the Widener Center lecture hall.
This year the forum topic will be presidential elections and will begin at 9 a.m. and end around 4 p.m.
