Category: News & Information
Visiting Alan Fox’s Virtual Office
As a professor of Asian and comparative philosophy and religion, Alan Fox is often encouraging his students to think—and then rethink—concepts and beliefs.
His “mind-blowing” courses have earned him a special place in the Honors College community at the University of Delaware. We took the opportunity to catch up with Fox and see what lessons and habits he has revisited in the past year.
You've taken on several roles, including director of Honors, at UD. Reflecting on your career and experiences, how would you now describe the value of having an Honors College?
To me the most important aspect of the change is the position of the Honors Director, now Dean, in the administrative hierarchy. When I was Honors Director, I answered to someone who answered to the Provost. As Dean, the head of the Honors answers directly to the Provost and sits at the table when the highest order issues are discussed. I think this is crucial.
What is a personal point of pride for you as a faculty member in the Honors College? Or, how do you measure your success?
I try not to be too prideful, but I guess I would say that it is really gratifying that so many former Honors students have remained in touch with me over the years, with some of them becoming close friends. They also continue to report the lasting benefits of what they experienced in my classes, which is very encouraging.
If time travel were possible and the undergraduate version of you could attend one of your classes today, what would you think of your teaching style?
I was generally a bored and lazy student, but was passionate about studying things I was interested in. My favorite teachers were the ones who enabled me to see what was really interesting about their subjects, and those motivated me to be an excellent student in their classes. I have consistently and conscientiously tried to become the kind of teacher that would have motivated me. I do believe that I am that teacher, and that I would inspire a student like myself, but on the other hand, I don’t think I would put up with young Alan’s shenanigans.
You are known to challenge your students to think beyond merely understanding the concepts. Do you believe you've successfully encouraged others in your personal or professional circles to become open-minded skeptics?
I hope so. I think that is the healthiest philosophical/spiritual position to take. It is how I would describe myself.
You’ve received several teaching awards at UD and were a Fulbright Scholar in Taiwan in the ’80s. Does your preferred Zoom background tell a story about who you are and where you have been?
I played around with backgrounds at the beginning, but I find it a more intimate Zoom environment to invite students into my home office. It somewhat mitigates the physical distance to have this kind of personal intimacy, and some measure of intimacy is necessary in order to establish the proper rapport required for teaching.
This past year has been a time of reflection for some. Is there something you learned about yourself or in general in the recent months?
I have had the opportunity to rethink my teaching habits. After more than 30 years of doing things a certain way, I was forced to improvise and adapt, and I found it exciting. Some of the adaptations I expect to become part of my permanent teaching strategy.
Is there anything that people would be surprised to learn about you, such as your favorite book or hobby?
I have many hobbies, such as guitar, magic and tap dancing. One of my favorite contemporary novels is Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace, though probably my favorite piece of literature on the planet is the work of the ancient Daoist author Zhuangzi.
What advice would give to incoming freshmen, graduating seniors and Honors alumni?
To freshmen, don’t be intimidated by your instructors. Get to know them and take advantage of their eagerness to help. To seniors, don’t stop learning. It is as essential to our well-being as breathing and eating.
I would suggest that current alumni support the Honors College either with donations or by serving as mentors and contact networks for current and recently graduated students. I would also like to see the Honors College do more to bring alumni back to campus or Zoom for lectures or other types of activities.
For more information on the Honors College, visit udel.edu/honors. To find out more about philanthropic support and alumni engagement within Honors, contact TJ Cournoyer senior director of development for strategic initiatives in the Office of Development and Alumni Relations, at tjc@udel.edu.