Teaching
While there are many wonderful aspects of work in academia, there is none that I enjoy more than teaching. I find real joy and energy when stepping into a classroom for engagement with my students. I believe in fostering a learning environment that focuses on discussion and interaction as much as lecture, thus allowing students to learn from each other as well as from the material. My main concern for students (as I often tell them) is not their grades but that they learn something useful and that if learning is their focus grades take care of themselves. I am also a firm believer that people learn best when they are engaged and having fun and I try at all times to create an environment that reflects this.
As of Fall 2024 I will have been instructor of record on 13 different courses, across multiple subfields in political science (IR, Public Law, Theory, Comparative) as well as Philosophy. I have taught courses both in person, online with syncrhonous elements, and online asychronously. I have learned importatnt lessons over the years on what translates well between those mediums (and what does not) and have been able to tailor my lectures and discussions for (hopefully) best effect. With that being said, I am continuously learning what works, what doesnt, and am constantly changing or adapting small things to try and improve.
Courses Taught (as of Fall 2024)
University at Buffalo
PSC 102 Introduction to International Politics (2022, 2023, 2024)
PSC 104 Introduction to Political Philosophy (2021)
PSC 225 Equality and Justice in the U.S. (2024)
PSC 333 International Relations Theory (2023, 2024)
PSC 335 American Foreign Policy (2022)
PSC 339 International Law (2021, 2022, 2023, 2024)
SUNY Geneseo
PLSC 120 Comparative Politics (2023, 2024)
PLSC 130 Political Theory (2022, 2023, 2024)
PLSC 140 International Politics (2023, 2024)
PHI 359 Social and Political Philosophy (2022)
PLSC 382 U.S. Foreign Policy (2024)
PLSC 440 International Law (2024)
Utica University
PHI 108 Professional Ethics (2017, 2018, 2019)
Selection of Comments from Student Evaluations (Full evals available in drop down menu)
PSC 339: Professor Turner is a very effective, excellent, and kind instructor. Not only does he make you feel welcome in his lectures and classes, but he also wants to help his students do well, which is amazing. Furthermore, Professor Turner is very patient and can help with any questions you may have about the course in general or about political science. In the short time Ive had with this professor, Ive already learned so much about International Law, and I plan on taking more courses with Professor Turner!
PLSC 130: Professor turner provides clear explanations and offers many thought-provoking questions relevant to the lesson & that help to gain a better understanding of otherwise complicated concepts.
PLSC140: The professor made sure the class was an environment we felt comfortable in and sharing our opinions in. He made the class non-judgemental and would help everyone no matter what.
PLSC 130: Professor Turner created the expectation that we all discuss and debate any topics respectfully and enforced this heavily. The class environment was a great place to learn and share political ideas and thoughts on the readings.
PSC 339: Professor Turner was kind, responsive in his emails, and willing to help students in any way possible. His promptness has helped make an online course much easier and more accessible than one could have imagined.
PLSC 130: I voiced my opinion about something missing in the lecture to the professor and the next day Professor Turner incorporated the topic in the lesson.
For prospective students wondering if I am indeed worth waking up at 9am to take a class with, you can find my Rate my Professor page here.