Teaching
My teaching focuses on preparing students to critically read the past through a variety of sources—written, visual, material—as well as through the spaces historical actors occupied so that place becomes more than simply history’s stage. Specifically, my teaching philosophy combines classroom-based reading and discussion with experiential methods reliant upon fieldwork.
This emphasis fosters inclusivity by recapturing silenced voices. Where documents or photographs often present the perspective of an elite class, buildings and landscapes can speak for those who did not write down their stories or whose narratives have been intentionally excised.
In addition to teaching seminars at Boston University and Clark University, I have advised/overseen Capstones for graduating MA students in Boston University’s Preservation Studies Program and undergraduate architectural studies honors theses at Boston University.
Photo by Cydney Scott
Independently Developed Courses
Places of Memory: Historic Preservation Theory and Practice
Preservation and the Vernacular Environment
Introduction to American Material Culture
A Walk in the Park: Understanding Greater Boston through Green Space
Courses Taught as a Teaching Fellow
History of World Architecture
Introduction to World Architecture and Urbanism
The United States Since 1865
Student Reviews
“Professor Stevenson is a passionate, clear and engaging speaker. He explains things effectively and directly, incorporating nuances without confusing or muddling the material. His energy is contagious, and keeps the class engaging throughout.”
—Places of Memory: Historic Preservation Theory and Practice, Boston University
“Prof. Stevenson was able to weave the subjects of the course together in a cohesive way. This was done through relatively little lecturing, he subtly moved the stream of conversation to cover the issues he wanted to focus on.”
— Introduction to American Material Culture, Clark University
“This class has changed the way I think critically about objects. I liked the overall structure culminating in the presentation and appreciated the intermittent deadlines in helping us reach an on–time analysis.”
— Introduction to American Material Culture, Clark University
“Ian was very enthusiastic about the topic and explained everything clearly. Being outside was amazing. The hands-on experience was wonderful.”
— Perspectives on the American Experience, Boston University
You can read a review, published in BU Today, of one of my designed courses here.