Faculty Profile

Neil Weissman

Professor of Educational Studies; Russell I. Thompson Chair of the Dean of the College (1975)

Contact Information

weissmne@dickinson.edu

Waidner-Boyd Lee Spahr Library CIO Office
717-245-1139

Bio

His areas of specialization involve the comparative history of Russia, Japan, and Germany, with emphasis on the impact of revolution and modernization on traditional societies and cultures. His research deals with police and deviance in early Soviet Russia.

Education

  • B.A., Colgate University, 1970
  • M.A., Princeton University, 1972
  • Ph.D., 1976

Awards

  • Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching, 1984-1985

2024-2025 Academic Year

Fall 2024

FYSM 100 First-Year Seminar
The First-Year Seminar (FYS) introduces students to Dickinson as a "community of inquiry" by developing habits of mind essential to liberal learning. Through the study of a compelling issue or broad topic chosen by their faculty member, students will: - Critically analyze information and ideas - Examine issues from multiple perspectives - Discuss, debate and defend ideas, including one's own views, with clarity and reason - Develop discernment, facility and ethical responsibility in using information, and - Create clear academic writing The small group seminar format of this course promotes discussion and interaction among students and their professor. In addition, the professor serves as students' initial academic advisor. This course does not duplicate in content any other course in the curriculum and may not be used to fulfill any other graduation requirement.

Spring 2025

EDST 120 Contemp Iss in Amer Education
An examination of current policies, practices, and problems in the landscape of American education with particular attention to the perspectives of various stakeholders (e.g. teachers, students, families, community leaders, employers, and elected officials). U.S. diversity with respect to race, class, gender, language, and exceptionality is considered within a variety of educational contexts. The course also examines the ways in which educational issues and reform efforts intersect with social, economic, political, and cultural forces.

SOCI 230 Contested Campus
Cross-listed with EDST 391-02 and LAWP 290-02. The course will focus on two current issues challenging higher education: access and free speech. Regarding the first, we will examine who attends college and why, socio-economic diversity in higher education, and the debate over affirmative action including successor approaches following the Supreme Court decision on the issue. For the second, we will investigate policies around free speech and its limits (if any) on campus, speech codes, cancel culture, the status of protest on campus, and whether colleges have an obligation to be “neutral.” The course will draw materials relating to a range of institutions, including Dickinson. Students will have an opportunity to write final research essays on a campus issue of their own choosing.

LAWP 290 Contested Campus
Cross-listed with EDST 391-02 and SOCI 230-04. The course will focus on two current issues challenging higher education: access and free speech. Regarding the first, we will examine who attends college and why, socio-economic diversity in higher education, and the debate over affirmative action including successor approaches following the Supreme Court decision on the issue. For the second, we will investigate policies around free speech and its limits (if any) on campus, speech codes, cancel culture, the status of protest on campus, and whether colleges have an obligation to be “neutral.” The course will draw materials relating to a range of institutions, including Dickinson. Students will have an opportunity to write final research essays on a campus issue of their own choosing.

EDST 391 Contested Campus
Cross-listed with LAWP 290-02 and SOCI 230-04. The course will focus on two current issues challenging higher education: access and free speech. Regarding the first, we will examine who attends college and why, socio-economic diversity in higher education, and the debate over affirmative action including successor approaches following the Supreme Court decision on the issue. For the second, we will investigate policies around free speech and its limits (if any) on campus, speech codes, cancel culture, the status of protest on campus, and whether colleges have an obligation to be “neutral.” The course will draw materials relating to a range of institutions, including Dickinson. Students will have an opportunity to write final research essays on a campus issue of their own choosing.