Dr. Jamie Capuzza
Department: Communication; Gender Studies
What type of interesting features do you incorporate into your classes?
I always have a variety of assignments in my class so that there is something for everyone. In communication courses you should expect regular writing and speaking exercises and a lot of class discussion. I try to provide an international perspective on whatever the topic of the day is, and try to illustrate the importance of valuing human diversity on a regular basis. Many of my classes fulfill general education requirements for writing courses or integrative experience courses.
In your opinion, how is Mount Union College unique from other small liberal arts colleges?
I always am happy to sing the praises of a liberal arts education. The world is changing quickly and liberal arts colleges like Mount Union prepare students to adapt to those changes in a creative, responsible and productive way. To me, education is liberal in that it is freeing; it frees us from ignorance so that we can cultivate our humanity. What could be more important work?
How do Mount Union students benefit from attending a small school as opposed to a larger school?
I've taught at large universities, mid-size schools and small colleges both here and abroad. I see the pros and cons of each model, but my preferred academic environment is the small college. Students get more face time with professors, more direct feedback, more hands-on learning and a better academic and social support system. Students can take more ownership of their own education and tailor it to meet their needs and interests. A one-size fits all approach to education doesn't work; smaller institutions such as Mount Union provide students freedom to claim an education rather than receive one.
Have you done any interesting research or developed any interesting courses at Mount Union? If so, explain.
I played an instrumental role in creating the Gender Studies minor and I teach several courses within that program. I love teaching GS courses because you can explore such a variety of topics, and because students have an easy time of applying that knowledge directly to their own life experiences. The work is very eye-opening for all involved, including me!
I recently completed a sabbatical that explored the role men played in the early U.S. women's suffrage movement. Pro-feminist men such as Wendell Phillips, Frederick Douglas, and William Lloyd Garrison have a lot to teach us and their contributions to women's history deserve scholarly attention.
I spent the summer traveling through India on a Fulbright-Hayes fellowship. I was one of sixteen educators chosen by the U.S. Department of Education for the program that focused on the changing role of women in India. I met with activists, professors, physicians, artists, politicians, and all other manner of women in both urban centers and villages. It was an amazing opportunity and I am still processing all that I learned. India is a fascinating country and women there are working hard to take their rightful place in society. I am incorporating as much of what I learned into my classes as I can.
What kinds of opportunities do Mount Union students have after graduating from College?
I think students should not hurry into their first job or graduate school if at all possible. If you can afford to, travel through a part of the world that is new to you or engage in some kind of social service that will help others in your community. When traditional age students graduate they are still young and have fewer responsibilities; that's the time to do something new and different. Take the path less traveled!
In what activities do you participate in your spare time?
Working at Mount Union leaves me very little spare time. When I do have a few moments, I like to restore old homes, play with my border collie Sydney, or relax by the fire at my house on Treasure Lake with a good book. Usually I take advantage of the fact I have summers off to travel. Last year I went to both Russia and India. The world is my classroom and I plan to learn all that I can!