Excellence in Teaching
History and Word War II by Phyllis Soybel, Ph.D.
A sample history lecture and an interview with History Professor Phyllis Soybel
“It isn’t Germany that starts trouble first, it’s Japan,” says Dr. Soybel. “It’s really important that when you look at the origins of World War II that one understands that there are things going on in Asia that are as critical to the start of war as whatever is going on in Europe with Hitler.”
Dr. Phyllis Soybel introduces herself as a history professor at the College of Lake County, a position she’s held since the fall of 2001. She is now the chair of the history department. “I teach what we call Western Civilization, European History, Women’s History and a number of special topics, including World War II.”
Dr. Soybel continues her history lecture. “In March of 1939 when Prague is taken, Hitler looks at the situation and it is probably at this point that he comes to believe that he doesn’t care what the allies think anymore because they are insignificant.”
Reflecting on teaching at the college, Professor Soybel explains that, “One of the great things about CLC is the course offerings we have. We have some great general survey courses, and then the professors are able to create their own courses. I did American diplomatic history since 1775.”
Back in the classroom, Dr. Soybel continues her discussion of Hitler. “Hitler expected to go to war over Czechoslovakia. It was said that he was extremely disappointed in not being able to go to war. He was itching for it!”
Dr. Soybel looks for various ways to keep her students’ attention during class. “I’m one of those teachers who like popular culture. I’ll stick in a clip from the comedian Eddie Izzard or Monty Python. In a class recently, I showed a Bugs Bunny cartoon talking about propaganda. The fun thing was that the students look at the Bugs Bunny and go ‘cool!’ and they’re laughing! In the process I get to show them something that keeps their interest but then I attach a historical significance. I work in a department with three other great history professors. I have incredible students. I would match my students with students anywhere and I think my students would come out on top,” she says.
To learn more, visit the History Web page.
