E. Taylor Atkins, Ph.D.

Distinguished Teaching Professor
Department of History

Teaching Expertise and Approach

Taylor teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in modern world and Asian history. He describes his approach to teaching as follows:

"My teaching philosophy is summed up in two quotations: 'Learning without thought is labor lost; thought without learning is perilous' (Analects of Confucius); and 'Regard man as a mine rich in gems of inestimable value. Education can, alone, cause it to reveal its treasures, and enable mankind to benefit therefrom' (Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh)."

"The first means that acquiring knowledge without thinking critically about it is a waste of time, but to think critically one must actually know something."

"The second quotation means that every student brings 'gems of inestimable value'—experiences, ideas, perspectives—that can be brought out, polished, and developed only through education. Although I’m not able to do so in every course I teach, in some classes I try to develop projects allowing students to use their own talents, skills, and interests."

Types of Courses Taught

• General Education
• Large Enrollment
• Online
• Seminar
• Honors
• Independent Study
• Undergraduate
• Graduate
• Study Abroad

Courses Taught