Conflict, Community, and Contemplation (draft syllabus)
Selected Student Feedback
From Environmental Political Theory (Primary Instructor)
EPT - 2018
“Ross is an amazing professor. He is extremely caring and has made me approach political theory with a new mindset... I was never really a fan of political theory -- I thought that it was dry and way too abstract. Through this course, however, I could see myself applying many of the concepts that I had previously learned to concepts discussed in the course. My understanding of political theory was much stronger and I felt energized to think about the principles outside of class and with my peers. Definitely a memorable course -- without a doubt one of my favorite at UVA.”
“This is the best course I have ever taken at UVA and has been extremely influential in my academic, career and life goals. Thank you for your time, dedication and enthusiasm.”
“As someone who has taken *many* fantastic special topic classes who've been taught by equally fantastic professors...this class - and this professor - has trumped them all. Of course, the topics were amazing and discussions equally so, but I cannot express how crucial the professor was in making this class as phenomenal as it was.”
“This class was incredibly worth-while and changed my perspective on so many things, especially about animal agriculture and activism.”
“This has been one of my favorite courses at UVA! Professor Mittiga was informative but also entertaining and he set up this course in a very straight forward manner.”
“UVA was lucky to have Ross as long as we did. He is absolutely one of a kind--the best teacher, mentor, professor I have ever had, and I know I'm not alone in thinking that. His classroom is the model for a democratic classroom. His teaching is highly effective. His curriculum has the perfect trajectory. 10/10.”
EPT - 2017
“I came into this class not sure what to expect, but the energy level and love that Ross showed made me want to learn about our environmental political theory."
"This class has easily had the greatest impact on the way I think and my personal beliefs. I couldn't recommend the class, or the professor, any higher than I do now. Prof. Mittiga is wonderful and I thoroughly enjoyed his class.”
“This course was one of my absolute favorites at UVA. It was challenging, fun, and thought-provoking but also left me feeling like I took away permanent knowledge that will shape decisions I make now and in the future.”
“Ross presented the information in a way that allowed us to come to our own conclusions about the topics presented. There was a lot of tough topics covered that really challenged our current lifestyles and decision-making processes, but Ross never came off condescending. Ross went to great lengths to hide his political beliefs and that he ran for office, but I think I was unique in that I actually signed up for this class in large part because I knew of his efforts! I was really excited to learn from someone with that much relevant political experience about what I was interested in. Ross kept relating himself to us during challenging topics, emphasizing that he used to be a big meat-eater for example during our talks of animal ethics. I think he did a very good job at making everyone feel comfortable to discuss deeply personal decisions and opinions, and controversial topics were brought up for discussion in a safe manner.”
“Super personable, teaches course material in an engaging and easy-to-understand, really understanding as a person, all-around great guy. I cannot rave enough about this class.”
“During all my time here at UVA, this is one of the rare courses that has had a big impact on me, due to the nature of the material, as well as the way it was taught. Probably top 2 class of all time… The way I view the world and my lifestyle have definitely been shifted as a result of the course. Literally everything you want in a class.”
“Really good class, learned more in this class than any other class I've taken at UVA.”
“I took this course because the other class I was going to take got cancelled. I was NOT looking forward to this class but it turned out to be the most impactful class I have taken to date. Ross is a passionate, approachable, and organized professor. The course material is fascinating and the work load was challenging but manageable. I would highly recommend this course to other students.”
“I had such an amazing time! I loved how our class was discussion driven and challenged majority social practices. I learned a ton about environmental activism, the rights and wrongs of environmental vs. modern economic issues, and I think I can use all of this knowledge in building a better world of economic and public policy as I enter the work force.”
EPT - 2016
“Ross did an amazing job covering an impressive amount of material in such a short amount of time. He really provided me with a new environmental perspective and even inspired me to act because of what I learned in this course. He was extremely well-liked by his students, as well as transparent and fair in his grading. I would jump at the opportunity to take another class taught by Ross.”
“I really enjoyed this course. I am from a rural area in Southern Virginia where a majority of the income is generated at major electrical companies or through the railroad. This course was my first look into Environmental issues really and it really challenged and pushed my views. It has probably been one of the most impactful courses I have taken at UVa because it has been so outside of my comfort zone. I loved having Ross as a [teacher] because his attitude is extremely upbeat and he makes class entertaining when it could be rather dull. I am extremely happy that I decided to take this class this summer because it has certainly had an impact on me as an individual.”
“Ross Mittiga is one of the best professors I've had so far and he's only a grad student! I love how passionate he is about the material and that he truly practices what he preaches. Wonderful professor and an even better human being.”
From Ancient Political Theory (Teaching Assistant)
“Ross obviously loves the material and his students. He is able to teach the material in a cohesive and easy-to-understand manner, while encouraging class engagement and contemplation. He took a genuine interest in my work outside of class and really seems to care.” (Fall 2017)
“Ross was definitely the best TA I ever had. He is very knowledgeable on the subject of this course. Most importantly, though, he had the best teaching style of any professor/TA I’ve had. He combined humor, respect, and responsibility in such an effective way. He had a way of connecting with me and other students that made me much more comfortable with the intimidating material. Apart from that, he’s just a nice and laid back guy. He was absolutely the professor I’d want to be if I were to become one.” (Fall 2017)
“One overall comment that I think is important to note is how available Ross makes himself to his students. Throughout this semester, he went beyond simply hosting discussion sections to make sure students could reach him if office hours did not work and hosted a series of online review sessions before the quiz and midterm. This level of commitment to his students is what makes Ross an incredible resource and teacher.” (Fall 2017)
“I would 100% recommend Ross to other students. Ross, while being an awesome TA, was also like an approachable friend. I felt that he genuinely cared about us and wanted to see all of us succeed in the class. Political theory can seem like a boring concept, but Ross somehow managed to make it fun and entertaining.” (Fall 2017)
“Ross welcomed alternative viewpoints and often encouraged us to challenge our own thinking, to consider specific issues from the opposite side of the argument. He definitely treated all students fairly and respected everyone’s opinions. Ross created an encouraging environment for discussion, as he never made anyone feel inferior for answering a question incorrectly.” (Fall 2017)
“Ross was the best TA I have ever had. Arguably one of the best instructors I have had at UVA. I would recommend him to anyone who is curious, loves to learn and is willing to dive into a text. He gets a kick out of what he does, and this inspires students to do the same.” (Fall 2017)
From Ancient Political Theory (Teaching Assistant)
“I'm a 4th Year politics major, and I don't think I've had a better T.A. in the department. Ross was able to engage students with his humor and interactive teaching methods while clarifying the finer points of the theories we studied.” (Fall 2015)
“Ross was fantastic at leading discussion section. He was engaging, knowledgeable…, and made discussion something to look forward to. …[H]e made the material much clearer and memorable that I felt that I walked away with a better understanding every time. He also made himself very available to help.” (Fall 2014)
From Introduction to Political Theory (Teaching Assistant)
“Ross…is a fair and thoughtful grader, a highly accessible resource for asking questions, and someone passionate about what he is teaching. His enthusiasm for the material was infectious, and he really made me enjoy what I was learning instead of simply viewing it as homework.” (Spring 2015)