The Department of Political Science welcomed Dr. Terri Givens to UBC this summer as a Professor. Dr. Givens joined us from McGill University.
We spoke to Dr. Givens about her research, new courses and teaching style.
Dr. Terri Givens
Could you tell us a bit about your research and what drives it? What types of questions do you attempt to address?
I started out my career with an interest in the politics of race and the rise of the radical right in France and Germany. I learned early on that race is closely intertwined with immigration in Europe and so I had to focus on immigration politics to get at issues related to racism. I went on to write many articles and books on immigration politics, anti-discrimination policy, and the politics of race from a transatlantic perspective.
What projects are you currently working on? Where do you hope your research will go while at UBC?
I’m in the process of developing a large-scale, global interdisciplinary research project called PROGRAM: the Partnership for Research on Global Race and Migration. This partnership will be designed to examine what racism means in different global contexts and how racism impacts migration and immigration politics. I’m hoping this will be a long-term project that will support undergrad, graduate and junior faculty research.
You’re teaching two classes this year – POLI 333M: Issues in Comparative Politics: Western European Politics and POLI 442A: Advanced Topics in Comparative Politics: Transatlantic Race Politics. What can students expect from these classes?
These are very dynamic classes – we will focus on current events to understand historical institutions and why we are seeing particular outcomes in both elections and politics. The courses will draw on my own research and the latest articles to develop students’ skills in critical analysis, writing and research.
Could you tell us about your teaching style?
I try to avoid lecturing (it’s hard when you have so much to say) and I really enjoy hearing from students, so I expect them to participate in whatever way is easier for them. Discussions in class are my favorite, but not everyone feels comfortable speaking up in class, so I give students the opportunity to participate in online discussion forums and they can even send me private messages, so I can share their thoughts and ideas in class.
I like to give students lots of options that allow them to learn in the way that’s best for them. Having a son who has learning challenges, I try to set up the students in my class to succeed in a way that is positive for them.
You grew up in Washington State – welcome back to the Pacific Northwest! What are you most excited about your move to Vancouver? What is your favourite thing to do in your free time?
Don’t tell my friends in Montreal, but when the sun is shining, Vancouver is like heaven on earth. I love having the mountains and the ocean so close by. I love jogging, hiking, biking, skiing (cross-country and downhill) and anything else outdoors. I made sure to get a 4-wheel drive car so I can make it up to the mountains easily.
Most of my family lives in Seattle and as the youngest of 7, I have lots of family to visit! I know they will want to come and visit me in Vancouver as well, and I hope to make regular trips to Victoria and nearby parks.
