Carlo Rotella
Professor of English at Boston College and accomplished feature writer; author of What Can I Get Out of This?: Teaching and Learning in a Classroom Full of Skeptics (University of California Press, 2025), the book discussed in this episode.
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Nov 18, 2025 • 47min
Carlo Rotella, "What Can I Get Out of This?: Teaching and Learning in a Classroom Full of Skeptics" (U California Press, 2025)
Carlo Rotella, a Professor of English at Boston College and author, dives into the transformative power of literature in the classroom. He shares insights from his experience with skeptical first-year students questioning the value of humanities. Rotella discusses strategies for engaging diverse learners, the impact of technology on student participation, and the significance of hands-on literary skills in everyday life. He masterfully illustrates how literature fosters critical thinking and community, proving its worth beyond mere job preparation.
Nov 18, 2025 • 47min
Carlo Rotella, "What Can I Get Out of This?: Teaching and Learning in a Classroom Full of Skeptics" (U California Press, 2025)
Carlo Rotella, Professor of English at Boston College and author, takes listeners into the world of skeptical first-year students learning literature. He shares how their initial doubts about 'return on investment' shift to profound insights as they engage with challenging texts. Rotella discusses innovative teaching methods, the impact of the pandemic on classroom dynamics, and how literary analysis fosters critical life skills. He emphasizes the enduring value of face-to-face discussions in building community and analytical thinking.
