Powers, Dr. Amy

A Note to Students:

I truly enjoy teaching at our college. Over the past 25 years, I’ve had the privilege of meeting thousands of students who’ve inspired me to be a better historian and teacher.  Waubonsee students are an admirable group of people who work hard, regularly balancing the competing demands of school, jobs, and family.  Your creativity, tenacity, and desire to make a difference in the world have enriched our college and strengthened our community.  I encourage you to embrace your talents—and look inside yourselves for qualities to help you succeed.

Why Do I Teach History?

I’ve loved History ever since I was a child.  I think it was the stories that drew me to History.  After all, at its core, History is a narrative—a collection of stories about people who lived before us.

I find comfort in History.  I’ve discovered humans have not changed a great deal over time.  Throughout the ages, we've cherished our loved ones, built communities, searched for beauty in the world, and summoned resiliency when necessary.  History reminds us of past generations who, like us, journeyed through the world the best they could. We honor their ingenuity, bravery, and perseverance, on the one hand, while unflinchingly scrutinizing their mistakes, failings, and struggles, on the other.

We’ve inherited this History—both the beautiful and the tragic.  Let’s discover it together and uncover the richness of our shared past.

History is more than knowledge of the past. It helps us understand the present and explains how our world—and our roles in it—came to be.

At the same time, History provides tools to secure a better future. It teaches us to think critically, ask meaningful questions, and explore new ways of thinking. You’ll learn how to evaluate evidence, determining its value and credibility.  This last skill is particularly important in our world of instant communication, where we have access to information at all times of day, from a seemingly unlimited number of sources. 

History offers something for everyone, whether you choose a career in Liberal Arts, STEM, business, healthcare, or a trade.  No matter your path, History will ignite your curiosity and empower you to enter the future with confidence.

World History since 1500 (HIS 102) introduces to you a vast array of stories spanning more than 500 years and covering every continent.  

Western Civilization since 1648 (HIS 112) surveys a similar time-frame, but narrows our attention on the "West," the regions surrounding the Mediterranean Sea.  We'll begin our journey in 1648, focusing on the history of early modern and modern Europe.

American History to 1865 (HIS 121) explores the rich history of our own country, beginning with the Colonial Era and ending with the Civil War.  

We'll also explore historical methodology, meaning you'll have the opportunity to “do” history like a historian: That is, ask historical questions, apply historical thinking, and evaluate historical evidence. We'll analyze primary sources, which provide intimate glimpses into the lives of people who lived before us. 

I teach in a variety of modalities to provide you with options and flexibility:

• Face-to-Face (F2F): My face-to-face classes meet twice a week at both the Sugar Grove and Downtown Aurora campuses. I always enjoy engaging with you in person!
• Online: My Online courses are delivered asynchronously, meaning you'll learn 100% online, on your own schedule, through Canvas. Engagement and clear communication are crucial to your learning, however, so I provide meaningful opportunities for you to connect with me, your classmates, and the material.
• Flex: Flex courses combine the benefits of in-person, Zoom, and online modalities, allowing you to choose how you'd like to attend each week. Students tell me they appreciate the flexibility.

🌷I would be happy to have you in my classes. Please contact me with questions, thoughts, or just to say hello. 

Education:

Ph.D., History, Northern Illinois University
M.A., History, John Carroll University
B.A., History, Grove City College

Professional Affiliations:

American Historical Association
Organization of American Historians

Professional Development:

American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U)
Association of College and University Educators (ACUE)
John N. Gardner Institute for Excellence in Higher Education
Quality Matters (QM)