By Patrick Greenwell
When some people think of history, they may think of names and dates to memorize. When Professor Blake Beattie thinks of history, he thinks of an amazing interconnected story.
Beattie has always been interested in history; during his time as a student at the University of Toronto, his fascination with ancient history morphed gradually into his current specialty: medieval history. When his time as a student at the university ended, he began to teach there. Two years later, Beattie took a job opening at the University of Louisville, and has been here for 13 years.
While his job description might label him as a teacher, he prefers to think of himself as a storyteller. He uses stories to introduce students to concepts like political systems, social change and cultural development. While teaching, he furthers the story by getting into the character of the historical figures he discusses.
His storytelling leads to a very unusual teaching style. Sophomore middle school science education major Derek Knisely said, “He’ll make up voices to use in representing characters, or duck behind the lectern as he describes a battle. ?His explanations, and the questions he asks to encourage class participation, help shed light on not just the ‘what’ of an event, but the ‘why.”?
Beattie teaches many different classes. His general education classes provide an introduction to history. The higher-level medieval surveys allow him to tell the great stories of his favorite period. Finally, his graduate level classes give his students their first chance to get a hands-on feel for history.
Though one might think that doing work with higher-level courses would make him less interested in his general education courses, Beattie often finds such courses to be the most rewarding.
“There is nothing like going through a general education course and having a student tell you at the end that they thought the class would suck, but instead they have actually learned something,” said Beattie. “The best part of teaching is getting to reach out to students.”
In addition to teaching, he also spends time doing research. This past year, he published a book of translated sermons from an Italian Cardinal, and is nearing completion on a second book on the subject. His research has taken him throughout Europe in search of original documents.
In addition to teaching, Beattie has to balance his work with family. He is married with three children. As such, he has few hobbies. On Sundays, however, Beattie does make time to play hockey.
“Professor Beattie has a reputation as one of the most dynamic and exciting lecturers in the Department of History,” said History Chair Prof. John McLeod. “With the ability both to bring the past back to life and to inspire students to further historical studies.”?
Moreover, he is an inspiration to his students. His unique teaching style and passion for his field is creating a generation of new teachers striving to live up to his legacy.
“He clearly has a wealth of knowledge and a great love for his field, qualities that all great teachers should have,” said senior secondary education major Meredith Geers.
