 Title: Professor of History and International Studies Department: History and the Global Studies Program Degree: Ph.D., Russian history, Georgetown University What brought you to Hood College? I wanted to teach at a liberal arts college. My close friend had taught here. What do you value most about your relationship with students? They are always eager and open to learning about the world around them. Why is teaching your dream job? There is no better place to be than in a learning environment, for anyone—student or teacher. Working with students is invigorating, challenging and refreshing. It's a dynamic process. Also, you have to be on top of your field or else it will show very quickly. If you were to consider another career, what would you consider and why? Diplomatic service. Describe your approach to teaching? To get the students to think critically, to examine assumptions, to find the facts, to analyze them and think for themselves. Showing respect for students in all situations. What is/are your most memorable moment/s at Hood? Hood's Excellence in Teaching award and many others, including 10 years as tennis coach, winning the AWCC championship a number of times and beating the Naval Academy several times. Describe your academic interests and research? History of the Soviet gulag and gulag revolts, history of Latvia and Baltic states, religion in Latvia, religion in the Soviet Union. When you aren't working, what are you doing in your spare time? Writing, researching, interviewing people, playing tennis, watching "The Daily Show" and "Colbert," spending time with my grandchildren. Name three books that you would recommend everyone read:
If you would like to contact Professor Laktkovski, you can e-mail him at latkovski@hood.edu. |