Dr. Atkins’ teaching philosophy is inspired by two quotations:
“Learning without thought is labor lost; thought without learning is perilous.” –Confucius, Analects 2:15
“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 there from.” – Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh
Dr. Atkins has taught a wide variety of courses in the NIU Department of History. In addition to four courses on Japan, he has taught undergraduate courses on world history, women’s history, historical methods, oral history, secondary teaching methods and clinical experiences, as well as graduate seminars on modern colonialism, popular culture, and World War I. He has taught several times at the Japan Center for Michigan Universities in Hikone, Shiga prefecture, including a 2015 study abroad course, “The Crossroads of Japan.”
Dr. Atkins directed a student oral history project on the campus shooting incident of February 14, 2008. Recordings of interviews are preserved by the University Archives and StoryCorps. He has twice taught an Honors seminar on “Rebel Music.” He frequently guest lectures in the School of Music and has served on several committees for Master of Music students.
Dr. Atkins was named Presidential Teaching Professor in 2013.
E. Taylor Atkins, Ph.D.
NIU College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Zulauf 306
815-753-7969
NIU Department of History
Zulauf 702
815-753-6699