2008 Woodie Awards
Video related to this article is available below.Issue date: 5/2/08 Section: News
Students say Kal Penn's Asian American studies class was a hit
Participants praised the blending of typical teaching methods with personal experiences
Priyanka Dev
"He did much more than a regular faculty member would normally do," Asian American Studies director Grace Kao said. "In some ways, he brings more to the classroom."
One College senior in the class said that Modi even led a recitation on a day when the regular recitation instructor planned to cancel class.
Aside from his efforts to be available and approachable, students said they also appreciated his alternative teaching style and the unique life experiences he brought to the classroom.
A College junior said he "emphasized the value of the assigned readings by relating it back to what he went through as an Asian American actor."
She added that though Modi was very professional, his humor "definitely added a spark to his class."
Kao said she has heard "great things" about Modi's time here.
"He's a different kind of person compared to a regular standing faculty member," she said. "I think he did a great job."
Kao added that there were still no plans to have him teach again here in the future.
When asked if ASAM was planning on bringing other Hollywood names in to teach, Kao responded that the department is not actively pursuing any leads.
"Anything is possible," she said. "I would never say never."
One College senior in the class said that Modi even led a recitation on a day when the regular recitation instructor planned to cancel class.
Aside from his efforts to be available and approachable, students said they also appreciated his alternative teaching style and the unique life experiences he brought to the classroom.
A College junior said he "emphasized the value of the assigned readings by relating it back to what he went through as an Asian American actor."
She added that though Modi was very professional, his humor "definitely added a spark to his class."
Kao said she has heard "great things" about Modi's time here.
"He's a different kind of person compared to a regular standing faculty member," she said. "I think he did a great job."
Kao added that there were still no plans to have him teach again here in the future.
When asked if ASAM was planning on bringing other Hollywood names in to teach, Kao responded that the department is not actively pursuing any leads.
"Anything is possible," she said. "I would never say never."
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
Alum
posted 5/07/08 @ 1:58 PM EST
can somebody please explain this paragraph to me:
"I was a little skeptical at first about what credentials gave him the right to teach a class at Penn," said a College senior and Cinema Studies major who requested anonymity because all students enrolled in the class signed a waiver saying they would not talk to non-class members about its content. (Continued…)
Student
posted 5/07/08 @ 11:00 PM EST
A WAIVER not to discuss course content?! This is a clear attempt by the professor to shield himself from any further criticism stemming from his obvious lack of academic credentials. (Continued…)
thirtyeyes
posted 9/20/08 @ 12:40 AM EST
Wow. You guys are idiots. I'd rather be taught business by someone who was good at it, like Bill Gates than a PHD who's never made a nickel. I'd rather learn about cinema from someone who's good at it than a PHD who does summer stock in upstate New York. (Continued…)
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