Brant W. Ellsworth, Ph.D.

The adjective most students use to describe me as a teacher is “enthusiastic.” And while I hope my enthusiasm is infectious and leads others along a similar path of life-long learning, I have learned through experience that teaching is more than just a style. It is more than an emotional bond. It is more than the delivery of course content—though these are all important.

I believe my teaching is most effective when enthusiasm for learning is combined with an energy that focuses on the process of learning and thinking. I want to help students be able to read and think critically, to interpret complex ideas and to express their ideas clearly. The course topic is the platform that enables students to develop these vital skills.

Brant Ellsworth is an assistant professor of Interdisciplinary Humanities. He received a doctorate in American Studies with a dissertation that examined the role of Western mythology in the Americanization process of members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He currently serves as the president of the Eastern American Studies Association and as editor of the Children's Folklore Review, an online journal that publishes research on all aspects of children's folklore.

Ellsworth is the proud father of three children. He is an avid reader; loves Thai food, kimchi and ice cream; and supports the San Antonio Spurs basketball team.