With great pleasure we announce that Andriy Bilenkyy has won the 2023 Martha Lile Love Teaching Award for his exemplary work in teaching PHL388 Literature and Philosophy. Andriy’s thoroughgoing dedication to teaching and to rigorous reflection on pedagogy evident, the committee was impressed by his thoughtful of application of principles and practices derived from pedagogical research in all stages of planning, and delivering, his course. For example, Andriy “reverse-designed” his syllabus, going from an understanding of the circumstances of the course, from its students (in respect of their year, major, and background), and from an idea of the knowledge and skills the course needs to develop, to a decision about what course material and assessments would be needed.
Andriy said he felt “excited and honoured to be receiving this award,” and described teaching at our department as “pleasant and rewarding.” “I’ve learned so much while doing that,” he continues; “this award is an incentive to do more work and more pedagogical learning at our department, and I’m lucky to have the opportunity to do so.”
The department is truly fortunate to have Andriy as a part of its instructional team — as a Graduate Course Instructor, and as a Lead Writing TA — we all have much to learn from him!
Seyed Yarandi received an honorable mention for his work in teaching PHL374 Issues in Normative Ethics via an innovative syllabus that illustrated the value of dialogue across different philosophical traditions, and the transformational potential of marginalized voices in thinking about the virtues, drawing on philosophical texts as well as podcasts and film clips for course material.
In addition to recognizing these outstanding achievements, the department extends its appreciation to all Graduate Course Instructors for their hard work and dedication over the past year!
Thank you, as well, to Jessica Gelber and Alex Koo for their service on this year’s Martha Lile Love Award committee.
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