Lecturer Spotlight: James Arvanitakis
James Arvanitakis is a Professor in the School of Humanities and Communication Arts. James was recently awarded the Prime Minister’s University Teacher of the Year Award at the Office for Learning and Teaching Awards.
James is the Academic Advisor for the Dean’s Scholar’s program and is a school-based member for the Institute for Culture and Society(opens in a new window).
What do you teach?
I teach social and cultural analysis in Humanities and Communications Arts – having focused on the first-year subject ‘Contemporary Society’ over the past few years.
What was your first job?
My first-ever job was carrying bricks. My first ‘professional job’ was as an economics forecaster, then I worked in human rights before beginning my PhD. Working as a lecturer at UWS was my first job after graduating from my PhD.
What do you love most about teaching?
Everything (except for the paper work)! I love writing and delivering the lectures, interacting with the students, researching new ways to explain things (including organising flash mobs and a bit of in-class synchronised dancing).
What will we find you doing when you are not at UWS?
It depends on the day and time of the year. In the mornings you’ll find me at Coogee Beach (summer or winter), in winter at the football (I am a Swans and Roosters fan), and I also love watching my partner’s football (soccer) team. I’m also totally addicted to comic books and crime novels, so I lie on the couch reading the latest Spiderman or Walking Dead, playing Angry Birds or watching one of the television series I am crazy about… Game of Thrones, Mad Men, True Blood, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Boardwalk Empire or Fringe.
At night, I’m usually looking for a new place to eat or going to a gallery opening, as my partner works for an art gallery.
I am passionate about…
Good teaching. I think education is one of the most important opportunities we get and I love watching inspiring teachers to teach. There are many people I have learnt from and will still try to go into people’s classes to get more ideas and insights into how to be a better teacher.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
There are quite a few pearls of wisdom I have been given… here’s a sample that I try to follow:
1. Never assume you are the smartest person in the classroom – there are students in every class who may not know the theory, but have amazing insights.
2. Teach like you want to be taught.
3. Be yourself – don’t try to imitate others.
4. Finished is better than perfect.
5. Never drink instant coffee!
