In a recent University Star podcast, Beto O’Rourke spoke about his experiences teaching a course in the university’s Political Science Department this semester. A former member of the Congress and a senatorial and presidential candidate, O’Rourke is currently team-teaching a section of Texas Politics (PS 4325) at the university.
O’Rourke talked about the department at length, mentioning how he knew it was going to be a good environment when he toured San Marcos as a candidate. O’Rourke noted he knew that “the level of intellectual rigor, the level of intellectual honesty in the discussions that are had at Texas State” was going to be very high and set high expectations for his class. “One thing I had not anticipated was,” he said, “My co-teacher is Dr. Sherri Mora, who is just phenomenal — I’ve been in politics a long time, but I have learned so much about Texas politics by reading what she’s written, having conversations with her as we designed the class, and just having a chance to take in what she is teaching in the class.” He elaborated: Dr. Mora is “phenomenal and the students are absolutely terrific. The sorts of questions they’re asking are not questions with easy answers, but just as often the students that pose them are themselves willing to try and answer them.” “I’m learning a lot, not just from Dr. Mora, but from the students who are part of this class. I’ve been so impressed and just feel extraordinarily lucky to be here.”
One thing he admires is the “very open sharing of experiences” found in the class, which bridges the polarized political situation. The class has featured talks by several former Republican office-holders to show how serious and civil discussions are possible even in today’s highly partisan political environment.
The podcast also featured discussions of current Texas & national events and his future plans.
The podcast can be accessed on the University Star’s website: https://www.universitystar.com/the-star-sitdown-episode-23—beto-orourke-txst-texas-politics-professor-former-congressman/video_06e81cac-9c0f-11eb-88df-efa76821042f.html.
