Martha Lile Love Awards - Excellence in Teaching Philosophy

2009 - 2010 Awards

This year the Philosophy Department recognizes two winners, chosen from among graduate instructors who taught courses on any of our three campuses between May 2009 and August 2010.

Farshid Baghai for PHL 217,  Introduction to Continental Philosophy, St. George campus, Summer 2009 and Doug MacKay for PHL B11, Philosophy of Law, UTSC, Summer 2010.

The Martha Lile Love Committee was impressed by Doug MacKay’s thoughtful course design and his interactive approach to teaching philosophical skills. He made effective use of small group work in which the students were encouraged to apply philosophical theories and analysis to specific, well-structured tasks – philosophical problems, court cases, etc.   MacKay’s approach to teaching was very well suited to such a course, which attracted students from a variety of disciplines and was, for many, their first introduction to philosophy.  In his lectures he presented rich and well structured content, but also devoted time to instruction in critical reading and writing; he worked with his TA to ensure effective feedback;  and he offered the students opportunities to ‘publish’ their writing online so that they could comment on each other’s work.  The students found MacKay to be enthusiastic, a knowledgeable and clear communicator, and they appreciated the opportunities for active involvement.

Farshid Baghai focused his introduction to continental philosophy on the theme of the self and the other. The choice of an appropriate thematic focus not only motivated the students; it also guided their analysis of challenging ethical and metaphysical texts.  Baghai’s enthusiastic and charismatic lecturing style inspired his students to engage fruitfully with very difficult material, even within the constraints of a short summer term. In addition to his lucid and eloquent lectures, Baghai provided generous extra help sessions regularly throughout the course. He offered sessions on philosophical writing that involved carefully looking at texts with the students and helping them to develop the vital skills of detailed reading, analysis and evaluation. Students particularly benefitted from his detailed advice on writing and from the glossaries of difficult terms which he provided in advance of the reading assignments.

The selection committee would also like to commend Rachel Bryant (PHL 273 H1S, Environmental Ethics, SG, Summer 2010) for her excellent course design and well targeted use of case studies in discussion groups and Cathal O'Madagain (PHL 243 H1S, Philosophy of Sexuality, SG, Summer 2010) for his exceptional rapport with his students and his effective use of visual media in lectures.

The Department would also like to extend its appreciation to all Graduate Instructors for their excellent work during the past year, as well as Faculty Teaching Mentors for their invaluable advice and classroom observations.