Darren H. Patel
Profile Talented college level social science instructor as well social scientist looking for a position that can take advantage of my professional experience as well as my passion for social justice and improvement.
Education
M.A. August 2005 Kalamazoo, MIWestern Michigan University· Concentrations: Racism and Inequality, World Religions, Ethnicity, Gender Issues, Civil Rights, Political Science.· M.A. Thesis: “A People Without a Voice: Perceptions of Social Bias against Muslims in the United States.”
B. A. December 2000 Normal, ILIllinois State University· Concentrations: Socio-Cultural Anthropology, Religion, Racism, Art.· Senior Thesis: “The Graying of the United States and Japan: The Effects of Demographic and Economic Transition on the Social Status of the Elderly.” Online copy available at: http://www.soa.ilstu.edu/anthropology/theses/patel/patel.htm
Professional Experience
Adjunct Professor (Jan 2006-Present)
City Colleges of Chicago: The Center for Distance Learning. Chicago, IL
· Currently have taught 15 sections of online courses. Classes taught include Social Science 101 and Social Science 102.· Topics covered in courses include Sociology, Anthropology, Psychology, Economics, and Political Science as well as some Philosophy.· Successfully managed to bridge the divide between the classroom and the virtual classroom though use of technological forms of interaction ranging from chat rooms, to virtual lectures and weekly discussion boards.
· Online courses simulate physical social science research through group survey implementation as well as by conducting “virtual” research in the form of observing online behavior in online locales such as chat rooms.
Adjunct Professor (Aug 2005-May 2006) City Colleges of Chicago: Harold Washington College. Chicago, IL
· 5 Sections of Social Science 101 taught in face-to-face classroom format.
· Teaching style incorporates a range of innovative practices from simulations to various forms of media and on-line activities and resources.
· Classroom discussions and assignments facilitated through an on-line “mirror” course website that supplements the in class learning experience.
· Heavy integration of technology into classroom experience. The streaming video, audio, presentations and films used to bring the world to the student. Stunning visuals always used to illustrate important concepts.
Continuing Education Coordinator (March 2006-February 2007) Aon Risk Services Chicago, IL.
· Ensured compliance for 5000+ Aon Insurance agents with 50 state licensing regulations and continuing education requirements. · Charged with evaluating new providers of continuing education as well as study materials.
· Assisted agents in all aspects of the pre-licensing process ultimately leading to the obtainment of their initial insurance licenses.
· Problem solved all issue arising in regards to licensing compliance requirements for all agents.
Teaching Associate (Aug 2003-May 2005) Western Michigan University Kalamazoo, MI
· Responsible for preparing lessons and lecturing as well as various administrative duties for undergraduate classes. Classes include: Anthro 240 Principles of Culture (2 semesters), Anthro 343 Cultures of Europe.
· Assisted with classroom administration in regards to grading, student issue resolution, providing resources, facilitating discussion groups as well as discipline when required.
· Took over entire course when Professor fell ill with a debilitating disease. Taught for ¾ of semester. A responsibility not included in my job description.
Undergraduate Teaching Assistant (Jan 2000- Dec 2000)
Illinois State University Normal, IL
· Responsible for administrative aspects of Anthropology classes, such as grading and meeting with students during office hours, leading group discussions and study sessions.
· Classes assisted with include: Anthro 185 Cultures of the World and Anthro 175 Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Contemporary Human Problems.
Papers Presented
“ Nationalistic Discourse and the American Presidency.” Presented at the Central States Anthropological Association 82nd annual meeting on March 12, 2005 as part of a panel on nationalism. Discusses the interplay of American nationalism, ethnicity, multiculturalism and Presidential Rhetoric.
Professional Extensions/ Interests
Urban Anthropology, Intersection of Social issues and Education, Mass Media, Government Policy, Religion and Politics. Large amount of college level credits earned in Art/Illustration, History, English/Literature/Writing
Professional Memberships/Service
The Western Herald Board of Directors (May 2004-May 2005)
Student Board Member of Western Michigan University newspaper. Engaged the editor in chief in identifying and rectifying the cultural biases and foci of the newspaper.
Graduate Student Anthropology Collective (Aug 2003-May 2005) Actively engaged with the graduate collective on issues and endeavors ranging from fund raising to developing social science themed presentations for local schools.
Golden Key National Honor Society (2000-Present) Lifetime member.
**REFERENCES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST**