Educational Musings: Featuring Dr. Stephanie Yuhl
In the vibrant and intellectually stimulating environment of an unspecified institution, Professor Stephanie Yuhl, a renowned figure in the History department, is known for her unique approach to teaching. One such aspect is her use of music to connect with her students and the daily content of her courses.
Professor Yuhl's musical journey is as diverse as the courses she teaches. Her college years were marked by her role as a DJ, where she played a mix of songs ranging from Run DMZ's You Talk Too Much and Gap Band's You Dropped the Bomb on Me, to General Public's Tenderness, LL Cool J's Goin' Back to Cali, Faith by George Michael, and Tracy Chapman's Fast Car.
Fast forward to the present day, and Professor Yuhl's music taste has evolved, but country and western music remains an untouched genre. Instead, she finds herself drawn to modern-pop songs by artists such as Bruno Mars, Vance Joy, Lil Nas X, and Snoop Dogg.
When it comes to her preferred music platform, Spotify takes the lead. But it's not just about listening; Professor Yuhl organises her music into playlists for various moods. These include an Indie Mix, a Beyoncé/Britney/Justin Timberlake combination, and an Earth, Wind and Fire Funk Mix.
In her academic courses, such as Modern US Gender and Sexuality, US Social Movements, The Politics of Historical Memory, 20-century US, and others, Professor Yuhl starts class time with songs that resonate with the day's content. Sam Cooke's Change Gonna Come, Nina Simone's Mississippi Goddam, Gil Scott Heron's The Revolution Will Not be Televised, Phil Ochs' Draft Dodger Blues, and Creedance Clearwater Revival's Fortunate Son are among the songs she uses to set the tone.
However, it's not just about the past. Professor Yuhl also finds contemporary songs that resonate with her and her students. Songs like Nina Simone's Feeling Good or Beyoncé's Hold Up (from Lemonade) hold significant emotional value for her.
Interestingly, Professor Yuhl does not currently have a favourite new song, but she mentions a moment of country music dominance. Despite this, she does not specify a single song she would listen to for the rest of her life, suggesting she enjoys discovering new things on every listen.
In a world where education often feels detached from personal experiences, Professor Stephanie Yuhl's unique approach to teaching through music serves as a refreshing reminder of the power of connection and the joy of discovery.
- Professor Stephanie Yuhl's music taste, spanning various genres from hip-hop to country and western, is reflected in her diverse range of courses at the institution.
- In her Modern US Gender and Sexuality, US Social Movements, and other courses, Professor Yuhl uses songs like Sam Cooke's Change Gonna Come and Gil Scott Heron's The Revolution Will Not Be Televised to better connect with her students and the course content.
- Beyond the classroom, Professor Yuhl curates playlists on Spotify for different moods, from an Indie Mix to an Earth, Wind and Fire Funk Mix.
- Professor Yuhl's interest in music dates back to her college years when she was a DJ, where she played songs ranging from Run DMC's You Talk Too Much to Tracy Chapman's Fast Car.
- In the community and education-and-self-development space, Professor Yuhl advocates for the use of music in education, citing its potential to enhance learning experiences and foster emotional connections.
- As for current events, Professor Yuhl does not have a favourite new song but she shares an appreciation for contemporary music, with songs like Nina Simone's Feeling Good and Beyoncé's Hold Up (from Lemonade) holding significant emotional value for her.
