Central Michigan University

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

CMU pop culture expert receives teaching excellence award

A Central Michigan University English professor's organization and inspiration in the classroom have landed him a prestigious teaching award.

Jeffrey Weinstock, an associate professor of American literature and culture, was selected to receive the 2007-08 CMU College of Humanities and Social and Behavioral Sciences' Excellence in Teaching Award, which recognizes a faculty member who goes above and beyond what is expected in creating exceptional learning opportunities for his or her students.

"I'm absolutely thrilled and very grateful to my colleagues and students for the honor," said Weinstock. "It's very gratifying to have one's efforts recognized and appreciated."

A committee, composed of representatives from each department in the college, selected Weinstock as this year's winner based on his expertise in the field of American literature and culture, the outstanding organization and preparation of his courses, and the inspiration that he bestows upon his students.

PHOTO CAPTION: Weinstock, center, poses with CHSBS Associate Dean Pam Gates, left, and Dean Gary Shapiro.


Weinstock has taught 18 different undergraduate and graduate levels courses in American literature and theory. His students and fellow faculty members acknowledged him as, "an inspirational teacher and mentor" who "encourages his students to push themselves to be better." It also was noted that "he is a positive role model and his students are incredibly lucky to have him here at CMU."

PHOTO CAPTION: Jeffrey Weinstock, left, is presented with the College of Humanities and Social and Behavioral Sciences Excellence in Teaching award by Dean Gary Shapiro.


"Dr. Weinstock was one of several outstanding faculty nominations received by the Excellence in Teaching Committee," said Pam Gates, associate dean of the College of Humanities and Social and Behavioral Sciences. "After careful review, however, the committee agreed that the accolades received from students and faculty about Dr. Weinstock's commitment to teaching and learning merited this award recognition."

Weinstock, an authority on popular culture, American literature and literary criticism, is the author of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show," recently released from Wallflower Press. He also is editor of several academic collections, including "Spectral America: Phantoms and the National Imagination" and "Nothing That Is: Millennial Cinema and the Blair Witch Controversies." His work also has been published in journals such as American Literature, Studies in American Fiction and Pedagogy.

He also has four forthcoming books: "Scare Tactics: Supernatural Fiction by American Women as a Form of Social Protest, 1849-1931"; "Taking South Park Seriously," an edited volume on the animated program "South Park"; a co-edited book, "Approaches to Teaching Poe's Prose and Poetry"; and "Reading Rocky Horror: The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Popular Culture."