If you could teach one dream class, what would it be? 

Michelle Horning: I already teach one of my dream classes, Business Analytics. Intermediate and advanced level Excel skills are necessary for success and every student should take the course. It should be everyone’s dream class.

Kortney Stern: My dream class would be an eco-medieval literature course in which students met outdoors in locations that mirrored those in the texts we were reading. For example, we could meet in a rose garden when studying “The Romance of the Rose” or in a wooded area when discussing “Robin Hood.” I knew a professor that created such a course at Sewanee: The University of the South, and ever since I heard about his class, I have dreamt of leading a version of my own one day.

Breanna Nickel: Tough question! I’ve wanted to teach something like A History of Heresy for awhile, and there are classes I love to teach such as Religion & Film that I have taught at other campuses but not yet at GC. But if we are talking about a dream course — how about an SST international unit where we “follow” a particular religious tradition from its origin country through ten more countries, to understand how one tradition transforms over time, space and culture?

Sara Method: I would love to teach a studio art course that explored multiple media to engage with a specific place. It would have elements of social practice, pop-up exhibitions, and theoretical discussions as well as time to just make art together. Think Black Mountain College.

Philipp Gollner: A GLST251 (Immersive SST Part) in Europe. I don’t dream too much though: I have gotten to teach way more classes I dreamt up at GC than most colleagues of mine get to at other universities, for example, the History of Food and Eating in America class coming up next fall again.

What’s your favorite spot on campus?

MH: Java Junction is my favorite and the Memorial Garden at Newcomer Center is my second favorite.

KS: One of my favorite places on campus is more so a feeling I get when walking between the AD and science buildings toward the center of campus, and you can look out at the quad and see the towering old trees as fractured beams of light stream through the leaves and reach down to the maze-like paths below. I have always found that tranquil view to be so pleasing.

BN: The library. What can I say? It’s where the books live.

SM: The beautiful little garden at Newcomer that is tucked away between the communication wing and south entrance of the building.

PG: My office, by far. Boring but true.

If you could pick a class offered at GC to take, what would it be?

MH: Educational Psychology, Drawing, Badminton and American Sign Language courses would be my first choices.

KS: At the beginning of the semester, I like to ask attendance questions, as it helps me get to know my students more. So, I ask a simple question, and they respond with a short answer, and I mark them present. One of the questions I typically ask in the first week is, “What class are you most looking forward to this semester?” Every time, students light up as they describe all of these amazing classes they are eager to take. From

beekeeping to graphic novels to restorative justice, Goshen College truly has top notch faculty and course offerings. I wish I could take all of the classes here.

BN: Astronomy. Or SST in Indonesia. Or Game Theory. Or Gender in Global Context. Or everything.

SM: There are so many classes I want to take here! I do think I’d really like to take The Poetry of Hip Hop

PG: A cross between Spreadsheet Skills and Wellness for Life. I have spreadsheet trauma, and more skills might be handy. But getting those skills while going through a brief yoga routine? Perfect.

What do you wish students did more of in class?

MH: Students should smile more. We are all too serious here at GC.

KS: I wish more students viewed the classroom space as a space to build confidence and self-worth. I believe the classroom can invite this kind of development by encouraging one to share their perspective aloud, learn to disagree diplomatically with peers and instructors alike, work with others that one views as challenging, and stick with ideas and materials that might initially feel uncomfortable. I believe deep, critical growth happens at the end of our comfort zones.

BN: More asking each other questions! Respectfully, probably.

SM: Had more conversations with each other and in group discussions

PG: Disagree with each other, and with me. Now, what do I wish that they did BEFORE class, that’s at least as interesting a question.

What’s your favorite meal at the Rott?

MH: I don’t eat at the dining hall but I do love the cheeseburgers and fries at the Leaf Raker.

KS: Believe it or not, as a vegetarian, I eat surprisingly few vegetables, and I would have to say that I have probably consumed more fresh veggies, fruits and salads at GC than I have in an embarrassingly long time. I am so grateful for that bountiful salad bar!

BN: Fries and chips. (You didn’t hear me say that. You heard me say a highly nutritional meal!)

SM: Pierogies for sure!

PG: I plead the Fifth. Actually, the Pork Ragu!