October 25, 2012 - 12:28am
Professor Profile: Melanie Schulze Tanielian
BY MICHELLE GILLINGHAM
What topics do you teach?
War, Violence and Human Rights for International Studies.
Where did you get your doctoral degree?
UC Berkeley.
How long have you been teaching?
I just came to Michigan in August. I taught a couple of years before as a graduate student instructor and an add-on faculty at the University of San Francisco.
Why did you choose to accept a position at the University?
I really liked Ann Arbor and the people were really welcoming. The student size was comparable to Berkeley and it’s a vibrant campus with activities going even in the midst of winter. And the different backgrounds of the people.
How do you keep your students engaged in learning?
I teach a class that has 30 students, so it’s a tricky size. I might start off with lecturing, then have them do group work and discussion. I have them talk not only in large groups as a class, but also in small groups. Sometimes I have them do debates for variety. I also incorporate different media — film, music, art, visual arts are good.
What do you do outside of the classroom for fun?
Well, I’m just getting acquainted with Ann Arbor and sort of enjoying the cultural events, like the theater, going for walks and sort of exploring the neighborhood.
