Benjamin Abelow Teachers Make a Difference: Norman Miller & Marc Trachtenberg

The speaker discusses the profound influence of two professors on their academic development. At Trinity College, sociology professor Norman Miller introduced the speaker to a tutorial system that emphasized critical reading and writing. This experience helped the speaker discover their analytical talents. After transferring to the University of Pennsylvania, history professor Mark Trachtenberg further honed the speaker's critical thinking skills through a seminar on American foreign policy. Trachtenberg's approach challenged students to form independent opinions, despite authoritative endorsements. Both educators significantly shaped the speaker's intellectual growth.

Who was the sociology professor at Trinity College that had a significant influence on the speaker?

What unique approach did the sociology professor take to teaching the course?

How did the speaker's perception of their own intelligence change during college?

What was the focus of the course taught by Mark Trachtenberg at the University of Pennsylvania?

Describe the method used by Mark Trachtenberg to encourage critical thinking in his students.

What was the speaker's reaction to the way Mark Trachtenberg critiqued books in class?

Reflect on the overall impact that both teachers had on the speaker's education.