Teaching

As a professor, I believe in fully engaging students in the active study of political phenomena. In my classroom, I teach by posing ideas and scenarios to my students and then lead them through analyzing the concepts they are studying. By understanding the basis of theory and not just the theory itself, students are then able to synthesize those ideas into their own coursework and thought. I emphasize the importance of theory, but I also emphasize the importance of learning to apply theory to real world situations. I encourage students to challenge information and challenge knowledge instead of being a passive learner. In short, my goal is for my students to have the deepest possible understanding of concepts and then be able to utilize that knowledge outside the classroom in both their future education and careers.

My teaching philosophy is based on my appreciation for experience driven, student centered education, with as much practical application as possible. My teaching experience at Northeastern University has included extensive work with NU’s International Relations Council, in addition to more traditional lecture-style courses that emphasize a theoretical approach. As a means of supporting the active search for knowledge outside the classroom, I believe that assignments should emphasize three elements: research, creativity, and fact-based opinion. The latter is something I consider especially important, as I have always felt that unapplied knowledge is only limitedly enlightening. When I teach, every element of political science is placed within the context of applicability and practicality. Therefore, I believe students can best demonstrate their acquisition of knowledge by application to their own ideas and opinions.

This latter emphasis on application of ideas is strengthened in my classes by a strong belief that education, and therefore the topics of each course, must be expressed within the student’s own world and frame of understanding. I find it unfathomable to express ideas and concepts of political theory without adequately placing those ideas into a context that the student can both appreciate and integrate into their understanding of the world, their community, and themselves. Because of my style of practical and applied education, my courses cater to a diverse classroom and each student’s unique identity and ideology.

“Professor D’Agati’s strength is his depth of knowledge, ability to address student questions about course work and help understand Int’l Orgs.” POLS 7358 Spring 2014

“This is definitely the hardest capstone course, so I considered switching. However, D’Agati is the best professor I’ve ever had. I learned as much in this course from his lectures than I have in my last 5 years combined. Brilliant Guy.” POLS 4701 Spring 2014

“Professor D’Agati is a great professor and has clearly been part of this program for a long time. He has it down to a science.” POLS 4910 Fall 2013

“Phil is incredibly knowledgeable. The best parts of class are when he really goes into details of the politics of the industry. As a master of both film and politics, it is great to hear him lecture.” POLS 2333 Fall 2013

“Phil really cares about making us not only welcome at Northeastern but welcomed by Northeastern. He gave us invaluable advise in dealing with professors and class and life problems. I also thought the one-on-one session to be reassuring and it gave me a clear direction for the next 4 years.” POLS1000 Fall 2013

“Strengths: Caring, Intelligent, Open, Communicable, Honest, Genuine, Kick Ass, committed to helping." POLS1000 Fall 2013

[Phil] is very knowledgeable about the subject & is always available for the team. He is open to having conversations for the betterment of his students and cares deeply for the progress each and every student makes.” POLS 4915 Spring 2013

“Professor D’Agati is an exceptional professor. He is articulate, reasonable, very smart, understanding and you can tell he cares about the courses he’s teaching. I’ve never had one complaint about a course I’ve taken with him.” POLS 3418 Spring 2013

“Dr. D’Agati is an incredible professor and extremely knowledgeable. He has taught me more this semester then I have learned in any other class at NEU. His realm of knowledge seems to be endless. I am looking forward to having another class with him next semester. POLS 4701 Fall 2012

“Phil is a great mentor. He takes the time to get to know both the strengths and the weaknesses of his students. He is very encouraging!” POLS 4910 Fall 2012