Professor Robin Hammerman teaches CAL 103, a class required for all freshmen. She has been with Stevens since 2011, when the year-long Freshman Experience program started. Her areas of research extend from topics like British Romanticism and Women’s Studies to Sci-fi and Graphic Novels. She was able to provide The Stute with some words about herself, as well as advice for her prospective students.
Before coming to Stevens, she was a graduate student at Drew University and was teaching in other places. “I’ve been in school for most of my life on one side of the desk or another.” she said. “My decision to become a professor was probably the easiest one I’ve made. There are lots of people like me in academia who simply loved school so much they never wanted to leave!”
She has taught CAL 103 for the past five years and hopes for her students to be more confident and articulate communicators by the end of the semester. “When students finish their CAL 103 classes, I also want them to understand that there is so much more. One way to achieve that understanding is to look deeply into the assigned writings – the ones in the reader as well as the ones we generate – really ‘see’ what they look like or seem to mean right now, and have the foresight to know that our understanding will likely develop or change over time if we make room for alternative ideas, thoughts, and opinions. A whole lot of discussion is also part of this process! The kind of work I’m talking about here is ultimately a lifelong commitment for students and it really does begin in the CAL 103 classroom.”
She also addressed some common misconceptions Freshman have of the required course. “[They] think CAL 103 is simply a writing class. We do a lot of writing but the class is not only about that – CAL 103 requires talking, reading, researching, thinking, collaborative learning, and a host of other components… effective writing (both creative and academic) is an ongoing process, it includes talking and thinking and experiencing life. Yet another common misconception is something I hear first-year students say often about themselves: “I’m not that interesting.” That’s a load of malarkey! You are more interesting than you think you are, and in CAL 103 you have every opportunity to start figuring that out.”
When asked how she felt about teaching a writing and communications course at a technology school, Hammerman was ecstatic. “I know more about 3D printing than I ever thought I might because of Stevens students. Seriously, though, it’s not enough to know your discipline and all of the stuff it takes to succeed in your major. If you want to be successful, it’s crucial to be in touch with why you want to do what you want to do – and the study of humanities will help get you there in ways that studying tech alone will not.”
She hopes new students will explore Hoboken as much as possible. “It’s a lovely city, and Stevens is a vibrant part of the Hoboken community. Do get yourselves out and about! I know that you are all very busy (or going to be soon) but it is important to make time for recreation.” She recommended Washington Street, and walking on the waterfront, even if there is little time to spare. “Also, don’t forget that you are a stone’s throw away from my hometown, New York City!” she added.
Hammerman concluded by reflecting on the sentiment of the Stevens community. “I think that Stevens students genuinely want to make the world better than it is right now. Chances are, you want to do lots of good in the world and make lots of money as well. If you want to do both, you are definitely in the right place!”
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