Focus on Faculty

Stanislao Pugliese, Ph.D.
PROFESSOR OF HISTORY
HOFSTRA COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES

When asked what he loves about teaching history, Professor Pugliese says, "All history teachers try to impart a certain amount of content on what happened in the past. But just as important is historical consciousness. Things are the way they are because people made certain decisions. History has meaning in our daily lives." He describes his classes as "very intimate discussions and debates. I try to get students to be active participants in their own education, to be involved intellectually and verbally. I like working with students who are curious." Technology isn't prominent in his classes. "I'm kind of old-fashioned. I prefer a Socratic dialogue with the students." A 1987 Hofstra graduate, Professor Pugliese observes, "As I've said to every class I've had, you get as good an education at Hofstra as at any other top college. It depends on the curiosity you bring to the classroom. If you're just thinking about getting a job, you won't get a lot out of your education here," he adds. "But if you think of it as an opportunity to think, communicate and engage in critical thinking, then the rewards are substantial."