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Professor Klieman wins UH Teaching Excellence Award
Posted: March 28, 2007
Professor Kairn Klieman, an associate professor who has taught at the University of Houston since 1997, has been named a recipient of the University’s Teaching Excellence Award.
A talented scholar and author, Dr. Klieman has taught an incredible array of undergraduate courses, covering Africa from the precolonial period to the present. Her innovative courses challenge students to re-examine the world from a different perspective. In addition to opening their minds to new ideas and new perspectives, Dr. Klieman also helps them develop the research and writing skills that are essential to historical work but also will aid students in whatever career path they pursue. Students come to her office in droves and rave about her classes. She has high standards and students leave her classes amazed by the depth and amount of what they have learned.
Dr. Klieman has become increasingly important in graduate teaching in the department. The History Department instituted a minor in World History at both the MA and Ph.D. levels about six years ago, and her graduate courses have been really helpful in getting that program off the ground and in helping graduate students to become aware of this very important area of the world. She also has taught many independent studies classes for individual students, and is frequently asked by colleagues to lecture in their classes.
Dr. Klieman’s first book, "The Pygmies Were Our Compass": Bantu and Batwa in the History of West Central Africa, Early Times to c.1900. Her research has been as exciting and creative as her teaching. She used historical, anthropological, and linguistic research methods for her first book. She has now turned to the history of oil and the environment in Africa for her current research project, showing her ability to take on a wide range of topics.
Susan Kellogg, the History Department Chair, writes about Dr. Klieman: "A fine scholar, devoted to her area and willing to provide many kinds of service that are useful in and beyond the university, Kairn is a truly dedicated and creative teacher who is most worthy of a teaching excellence award."
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