Shane Sprandio '12
Major:
History
Minor:
Italian
Outcome Opportunity:
Graduate/Professional School
Grad Degree:
Ph.D in Medieval Italian History
School:
University of California, Santa Barbara
Position:
Teaching Assistant
Briefly describe your experience as a graduate student and teaching assistant.
"I am currently in a history PhD program studying medieval Italy. Along with my studies, I am responsible for leading three undergraduate discussion sections every week as a teaching assistant for professors in the University of California, Santa Barbara, history department."
How did you become interested in this type of study?
"I started my time at Saint Joseph's University as a history major with Professor Alison William Lewin as my advisor. During my four years at St. Joe's, I took several classes with her centered on medieval and ancient European history while studying Italian language with Professors Joan Manghisi, Paola Giuli, and Kristen Grimes. All of the educators I mentioned consistently encouraged me to continue my career as a student and strive to be a lifelong learner. Because of their influence and support, I am now pursuing a PhD in medieval Italian history while acting as a teaching assistant for undergraduate students in a wide range of courses."
Did you participate in any experiential learning activities while at SJU?
"I had the opportunity to travel to Italy with the Italian program on short tours, once in 2010 with Professor Manghisi and again in 2012 with Professors Giuli and Grimes. I also studied for a semester in Rome at John Cabot University."