William Homestead

Philosophy of teaching:
I begin my classes with the understanding that students will live a more fulfilling life when they experience themselves as participants within a larger fabric of social and ecological relationships. This understanding provides a larger context of meaning for asking questions and receiving answers, which, if they are genuine answers, will soon be transfigured into new questions. It also provides a context within which students may explore multiple modes of knowing—reason, contemplation, emotion, intuition, and imagination—so that they may transform.

I encourage students to use the classroom as a means for liberating untapped potential and exploring new possibilities. Students already have an inner intelligence that desires expression. My job is to create a space where this intelligence is acknowledged, respected, and explored.

 
Special areas of expertise or research interests:
My academic research explores the intersections between Communication Studies and Environmental Studies. I am critically investigating the integration of different modes of communication, including rational, mythic, aesthetic, and spiritual communication, as an ethical response to our current age of ecocrisis.

 
Other Interests:
My interests include journalism, creative nonfiction writing, sports, film, and experiencing the great outdoors. I explore these interests with students in journalism, media, and sport communication courses.

 
Teaching background:
I have been fortunate to teach and learn with college students for twelve years. I spent seven years teaching in the Communication department at Purdue University, and have also taught at Rutgers University and the University of Montana. New England College is easily my favorite place to teach. I love the small classes, academic community, and beautiful natural surroundings.