Robert Lee Gaudino (1925 – November 28, 1974) was an American political scientist and educational theorist who worked as a professor of political science at Williams College from 1955 until his death in 1974,[1][2] also serving as the Peace Corps training director at Williams.[3]

Robert Gaudino
Born
Robert Lee Gaudino

1925 (1925)
DiedNovember 28, 1974
Academic background
Alma materUniversity of Chicago (PhD)
Academic work
DisciplinePolitical science, educational theory
InstitutionsWilliams College

Life

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Gaudino served in the US Army Air Corps from 1943 to 1946.[2] He completed a Ph.D. at the University of Chicago in 1955, with a dissertation focused on the issue of academic freedom.[4]

He died on November 28, 1974[5] of a neurological disease.[2][6]

Teaching

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Gaudino was "arguably the greatest Williams College educator of the 20th century."[7]

A popular teacher beloved by students for his engaging, personal enthusiasm that extended far beyond the confines of the classroom --- the oft repeated maxim goes, "he did not have students but disciples" --- he held very strict ideas about classroom decorum, addressing his students by their last names, insisting that they come to class on time and that they be prepared to be called upon at any time to enter into a Socratic-style dialogue related to the day's reading.[2]

Books

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Gaudino wrote The Indian University (1965) concerning the university system in India.[8]

Gaudino argued that Williams should "actively promote a range of experiences that have the creative potential to unsettle and disturb" as part of a program of "uncomfortable learning" based on the "unsettling experience."[2][9][10][11] He published this theory in a second book, The Uncomfortable Learning (1974).[12]

Works inspired by Gaudino

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The Williams College Resettling Refugee in Main Programme is inspired by Gaudino's project Williams at Home,[13] while the Club for Uncomfortable Learning at Bard College was also inspired by Gaudino's work.[14]

A memorial fund was set up in his name at Williams College and funds fellowships.[15][16][17][18]

References

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  1. ^ Feder, Barnaby J. (3 November 1999). "LESSONS; Judging Teachers In Consumer Era". The New York Times. Retrieved 16 October 2009.
  2. ^ a b c d e Rogovoy, Seth (Summer 1990). "Gaudino: The Man, The Legend, The Legacy" (PDF). Williams College Alumni Review. pp. 22–26. Retrieved 17 October 2009.
  3. ^ "Peace Corps volunteers from India". Northwest Arkansas Times. 13 July 1965. p. 7. Retrieved 1 July 2020 – via Newspapers.com.
  4. ^ Robert Gaudino (1955). "The public rights and the private duty of the higher education: an inquiry based on the contemporary understandings of academic freedom". University of Chicago. Archived from the original on 2017-09-17.
  5. ^ "Robert Gaudino, expert on India, professor, 49". Boston Globe. November 29, 1974 – via Newspapers.com.
  6. ^ "The Man Who Changed My Life Forever & The Power of Being Made Uncomfortable". Rosenblum TV. Retrieved 1 July 2020.
  7. ^ Kurt P. Tauber (August 1987). "Report on the Proposals and Activities of the Gaudino Committee and Gaudino Scholar" (PDF). Williams College. Archived from the original (PDF) on 28 May 2010. Retrieved 16 October 2009.
  8. ^ The Indian University (Bombay: Popular Prakashan, 1965) ISBN 81-7154-386-3. Reviews:
  9. ^ "'Eye-opening' program places college students with Portland immigrant families". bangordailynews.com. 30 January 2014. Retrieved 1 July 2020.
  10. ^ Hearing before the Subcommittee on Human Resources of the Committee on Post Office and Civil Service (13 November 1987). "Commission on Federal Voluntary Service Opportunities for Young People Act of 1987". Retrieved 1 July 2020.
  11. ^ Angel p.Perez. "Race, class and 'uncomfortable learning' ". newenglanddiary.com. Retrieved 1 July 2020.
  12. ^ The Uncomfortable Learning: Some Americans in India (Bombay: Popular Prakashan, 1974) ISBN 81-7154-026-0. Review:
  13. ^ Neal W. Sobania (25 May 2015). Putting the Local in Global Education: Models for Transformative Learning Through Domestic Off Campus Programmes. Stylus. ISBN 9781620361672. Retrieved 1 July 2020.
  14. ^ "Green Shoots from the "Real Talk: Difficult Questions about Race, Sex, and Religion," the 9th annual fall conference of the Hannah Arendt Center at Bard College on October 20, 2016". Amor Mundi. 27 October 2017. Retrieved 1 July 2020.
  15. ^ "State Board of Administration of Florida Response to Invitation to Negotiate For Securities Litigation Counsel – Search to Update Pool of Law Firms" (PDF). Retrieved 1 July 2020.
  16. ^ "Gaudiono Fund - Williams College". Retrieved 1 July 2020.
  17. ^ "Realities of War come home to roost at Williams". Manchester Journal. 2 March 2017. Retrieved 1 July 2020.
  18. ^ "Professors Legacy still Teaches". Newspaper.com - The Boston Globe. 20 September 1999. Retrieved 1 July 2020.
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