First CCS Coffee n’ Share of the 2023-2024 Academic Year

CCS faculty share insights and conversation on video game design and walking biology courses

Faculty Claudia Tyler (CCS Biology) presents at 2023 Coffee n’ Share

On Tuesday, November 28 the College of Creative Studies (CCS) held its first Coffee n’ Share event of the 2023-2024 academic year. The gathering took place in the CCS Art Gallery which buzzed with intellectual energy and curiosity as faculty and staff gathered to learn about two courses directly from the faculty instructors. Hosted by Interim Dean Timothy Sherwood, the event featured CCS Biology faculty Claudia Tyler who provided insights into the College’s historical and popular Walking Biology course that focuses on observing nature from the perspectives of both human and non-human species. Following Tyler, CCS Computing faculty Richert Wang delved into his Video Game Design for Non-Majors course, which teaches CCS students to design, program, and demo their own games. Among other courses at the College, these two courses exemplify CCS experiential student learning and are open to students in all CCS majors.

CCS Interim Dean Timothy Sherwood and Faculty Richert Wang (CCS Computing)

"Education is not just about imparting knowledge; it's about creating a vibrant community of learners, thinkers, and creators. These faculty and staff development activities are aimed at sharing innovative teaching methods and simply growing as a professional organization. I don't get to take many classes these days, and it is a special treat for me to hear firsthand about interesting pedagogical and disciplinary techniques from some of the best instructors in the world."

––CCS Interim Dean Timothy Sherwood

The gathering kicked off with an overview from each speaker, followed by a dynamic informal interaction over coffee and goodies. Interim Dean Sherwood expressed his hope that these conversations would serve as a melting pot of pedagogical insights and world perspectives.

Launched by Sherwood in the 2022-2023 academic year, the focus of the series is to bring together the College’s faculty and staff to learn about the innovative courses being taught and to share ideas to spark future course innovation. The series also serves as an opportunity to connect with one another and mingle with colleagues who normally are teaching, mentoring students, and caring for the well being of students and the College.

Interim Dean Sherwood invites CCS faculty interested in presenting on topics related to their distinctive courses or programs or generally on teaching, research, and/or service to reach out to him.