Powers, Dr. Amy

I have been teaching full-time at Waubonsee since 2003.  Over the years I have met thousands of students, either in traditional face-to-face classes or in virtual classrooms through our online learning program.  I am continuously inspired by our students' determination, perseverance, and willingness to work hard in order to achieve their goals.  

I also enjoy serving as a club advisor, most recently for Waubonsee's History Club.  The club is open to all--History majors and non-majors alike--and gives me a chance to get to know my students better as we share our interest in History through discussions, movies, guest speakers, and fundraisers.  The most rewarding experiences have been our field trips to places such as Catigny and the Chicago History Museum.

Here are a number of other ways I am currently serving the college:

• Outcomes Advisory Council
• Veterans Day Planning Committee
• Dual Credit Committee
• New Student Convocation Celebration Committee

HIS 121: American History to 1865
HIS 112: Western Civilization Since 1648
HIS 102: World History Since 1500
HIS 205: History of the Middle East
HIS 290: Historiography and Methodology

I enjoy teaching at a community college because it allows me to meet a variety students from different backgrounds, each pursuing their own goal.  With this in mind, I realize that many of my students are not going to be History majors and will likely find careers in the sciences, health professions, education, or a technical field.  Since I want to reach all of my students--not just my majors--I strive to use History as means to prepare them for any career that they choose. 

On the first day of every class I teach, I stress the importance of learning History as a way to understand our own society and ourselves. In American History, for example, I point out that we need to comprehend the origins of our republic in order to appreciate fully our political system. Otherwise, we might take our democracy for granted.  Similarly, in History of the Middle East students learn that WWI played an enormous role in shaping the region.   Even though the war ended a century ago, its effects are still felt today, making it necessary to study its legacy.

The benefits of studying History follows students even after they have completed the class. I tell my students that History will help them develop their communication, critical thinking, and collaborative skills. I offer many opportunities to practice these skills through essays, research papers, small-group work, and discussions. Being able to write clearly, think analytically, and work effectively with colleagues is critical for every student's success, no matter their profession. Beyond the considerations of a career, these qualities will enrich students' lives, allowing them to become thoughtful, productive, and successful members of their communities.  

My hope is that at the end of each semester, students will find that learning History is not only useful for their futures, but also meaningful and a great deal of fun.

Education:

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

Professional Affiliations:

American Historical Association
Organization of American Historians
American Association of Community Colleges, Faculty Advisory Council
"Bridging Cultures at Community Colleges: American History, Atlantic and Pacific" Program, participant 2012-2015

Fall 2018:

Mondays and Wednesdays, 12:30 PM to 1:45 PM
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11:00 AM to 12:15 PM

If these times do not work for you, then feel free to contact me to schedule an appointment.  I am happy to meet with students in my office (APC 262)