WEST CAMPUS -- We love to hate it. It confounds us and
confuses us. It may even frighten us. But have no fear, for election season is
here and Professor Noy Sparks is the man to help us understand those two little
words: Electoral College.
But it wasn’t always that way. Like many of the students in
attendance, Sparks is no expert.
“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do research on, and
I’ve been forced to dig,” said Sparks.
He took his hour-long turn at the podium Thursday evening as
part of the Interdisciplinary Honors Professor’s Choice lecture series. The
program encourages professors to step out of their comfort zones by teaching a
subject that they find both personally interesting and valuable to students.
Each session is free and open to the public.
“It gives the students an opportunity to learn about things
that may not be in the curriculum,” said Sparks. “And it gives the professor an
opportunity to share areas of interest that he or she may feel are important.”
More than 30 Valencia students were in attendance. One student,
Roland Brown, actively engaged Sparks throughout his presentation.
“The whole idea of the Electoral College doesn’t make
sense,” said Brown. “I didn’t know some of what I heard tonight, it’s
definitely something that should be taught in schools.”
Philip Belcastro, president of the Secular Student Alliance
of West Campus, displayed a little more confidence. “I was curious to see if
there was anything I didn’t know.”
Sparks has been teaching the humanities to Valencia students
for the past nine years, but has strong political convictions in his personal
life. He strives to maintain neutrality in class, though stresses the
importance of de-mystifying the Electoral College system. According to Sparks,
many Americans are out of touch with their own history.
When asked to comment on his political leanings, Sparks
leaned back in contemplation, chin over colorful bowtie.
“Valencia hasn’t hired me to teach my political convictions.
Valencia’s hired me to teach the humanities.”
The IDH lecture series continues on Oct. 25 with Professor Lisa
Lippitt. For more information, contact honors program director Valerie Burks at
407-582-1729.
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