Teaching & Course Prep

As a feminist political scientist, I view the classroom as a space to equip students with the tools to analyze power, engage marginalized perspectives, and connect theory to practice. I bring expertise in American politics, gender, race, and political behavior, and I have taught courses ranging from Women and American Politics to The Presidency and large introductory classes. My teaching emphasizes three core commitments: bridging theory with real-world challenges, fostering critical and ethical engagement with emerging technologies, and cultivating civic responsibility alongside analytical skills. Beyond coursework, I mentor undergraduate researchers, supporting their methodological training and professional development.

    • Link to Syllabi

    • Upper-division lecture

    • 30 students enrolled in the class

    • 10/30 Evaluations of Instructor (33%)

    • Overall Ratings (averages): 4.3/5 (Instructor) / 4.4/5 (Course)

    • Link to Class Observation Report

      “Ms. Irving encouraged participation within the course and provided engaging materials which helped me grow intellectuality within

      the subject.”

      “Michelle did bring interesting topics to class and stirred creativity and thought with asking opinions on readings, current events, news, elections, etc.”

      “Overall, Michelle really came into herself as a lecturer and professor by the end of term. I enjoyed the subject matter she picked and the way she handled tough questions.”

  • In the summer of 2023 and 2024 I taught a condensed summer session of Women & American Politics which was delivered asynchronously online.

  • In the summer of 2022 I taught a condensed summer sessions of The Presidency which was delivered asynchronously online.

    “I've learned so much throughout your course and appreciate the flexibility you gave us. Thank you so much for being a professor who cares for each student. Thanks for the hard work you put into the course and for helping me become a better writer. “

    • TA-ed for Introductory Law in Politics Course

  • Syllabus (drafted Spring 2024)
    course in development

    In Spring 2024, I drafted this syllabus for a course on the political and social dimensions of Black motherhood in the U.S., under the guidance of Dr. Britney Cooper at Rutgers University. While the syllabus is fully prepared, the course has yet to be delivered.

    • Introductory course to college writing

    • 3 sections taught 2 in Fall 2024 and 1 in Fall 2025

    • Each section had 22 students enrolled

    • student rated instructor teaching effectiveness average 4.45/5 Course quality average 3.90/5

    “My instructor encouraged my intellectual growth and progress by introducing me to knew methods of analyzing a topic such as an argument map or coming up with further questions to really amplify my writing pieces”

    “I am a strong believer that if a teacher shows up to each class with passion and excitement to teach that the students are to be moreengaged in in–class activities. This is something I believe Prof. Michelle brought to the table each class and for that I am grateful.”

    “I feel like I have developed actually understanding what I am reading instead of just reading the words blindly, as I learned new techniques to analyze what I am reading.”