Ann Collins Johns

As an art historian, my fundamental teaching goals are 1) to encourage students to experience actual art and architecture and 2) to help them develop the necessary critical thinking and writing skills that they need for both my class and their future careers. I enjoy teaching the large survey classes; many of these beginning students find the interpretive nature of art history both novel and difficult, yet most rise splendidly to the challenge. My own most rewarding teaching experiences take place every summer, when I live, learn, and experience art along with 25 undergraduates on our departmental study abroad program, Learning Tuscany, where we engage with spectacular art and architecture as part of our daily routine.