I possess a wide range of teaching interests, with a primary focus on terrorism, counterterrorism, and international relations. I am enthusiastic about teaching courses that align with my substantive and methodological interests, which encompass international relations, political violence, security, foreign policy, national security policymaking, and quantitative and qualitative research methodology.
Politics of India and Pakistan - Fall 2019, 2021, & 2023
Professor: John Echeverri-Gent
Surveys political development in India and Pakistan examining the process of nation-building, the causes of democratization and authoritarian rule, the development of ethnic and religious conflict, environmental politics, the political impact of cultural globalization, and gender-related political issues. Prerequisite: Some background in comparative politics and/or study of history and society in South Asia.
Ethics and Human Rights in World Politics - Spring 2020 & 2021
Professor: Michael Smith
How do issues of human rights and ethical choice operate in the world of states? Do cosmopolitan ideals now hold greater sway among states than traditional ideas of national interests during the Cold War? Considers ideas of philosophers like Thucydides and Kant in addition to concrete cases and dilemmas taken from contemporary international relations. Specific issues include defining human rights, 'humanitarian intervention,' just war theory, and the moral responsibilities of leaders and citizens.
Introduction to Comparative Politics - Fall 2020
Professor: David Waldner
Introduction to Comparative Politics surveys the major themes, theories, and methods of domestic politics around the globe in the modern era. Thematically, we examine the gap between rich and poor nations, between democracies and dictatorships, and between civil war and civic orders. Theoretically, we consider theories of political culture, political institutions, and political economy.
Excerpts from Teaching Evaluation
" I honestly cannot speak more highly of Tolu as a TA. She did an absolutely PHENOMENAL job this semester adapting not only to the challenges posed by remote learning but also in her own life as she was involved in a car accident earlier in the semester. I think that these were a set of circumstances that no instructor would have ever wanted to encounter, even in their worst nightmare, and yet Tolu overcame all of them. Truly one of my favorite classes this semester and a fantastic TA." (Student in Ethics and Human Rights, Spring 2020)
“Section was the best way I learned about the subject matter of this course. Having the questions beforehand to review and reference when reading allowed me to grasp the most important concepts in the readings and not get lost in all of the text. With such a class so reliant on the understanding of the text, the section really allowed me to best understand and engage with the material.” (Student in Introduction to Comparative Politics, Fall 2020)
“I do want to say a sincere thank you to you. I understand exactly how many times you've bent the rules for me, and I am so, so grateful. I hope that you have a good summer and stay safe out there in this weird new world we all must navigate. It really was a pleasure to be in your class. Good luck with your PhD.” (Student in Ethics and Human Rights, Spring 2021)