Are you an easy grader?
I do grade. My wife says I am easy.

What's the least amount of work I have to do to pass your classes?
Many of my courses are contract graded so you know the answer. In others, I apply completely arbitrary standards for achievement. Sort of like the real world. There your value to the organization is often determined by how busy you look.

Will my Troy masters degree make me rich?
We try to take care of the 50% of it that's not dumb luck. If you're last name is Gates; or you can hit 60% from three point land; or you plan a career in politics; then you can increase your likelihood.

Will I finally learn how to productively use my computer in your classes?
The computer is not a tool! It's interactive TV. Besides, Gate's First Law of Software Marketing says "By the time you've mastered the software, it's time for an upgrade."

Which great thinkers influenced your teaching ?
On the classical side partial to Ayn Rand, Isaac Asimov, Mort Sahl, Groucho and Alvin Toffler. Of the contemporary authors, I clearly favor Scott Adams and Chris Carter.

I've heard that you intimidate some students. Is that true?
Yes. I have been characterized as a cross between Rush Limbaugh and Howard Stern by one former student. He was a wimpy Marine drill instructor.

Are you politically correct in all your views?
Of course. I try to make certain that every person in my class is equally offended by the time the course is over. I do my best to needle each individual and every group with a special agenda.

You sound like an anarchist. Don't you have any causes you believe in?
Of course. I'm currently spearheading a support group for the calorically challenged, once we get recognition by Congress, I'll become a lawyer. I don't think I'm an anarchist but my wife claims my office is an ongoing experiment in chaos theory.

If you're so damn smart why aren't you rich?
I really dig being credible. I got tired of being right, but outvoted. I got a Ph.D. Now I say the same things I've always said -- but people believe me. Besides, I've never seen any practical use for a suit and tie. I'm doing just fine in the toy department. He who dies with the most toys, has the biggest estate sale.

Why did you do this screwy FAQ page?
If you haven't figured out that this page is sarcastic humor, you probably won't enjoy my classes either. I  try to make learning fun and entertaining.

Teaching Philosophy

I've always believed that educators provide a high contact service. As service providers, we have obligation to make sure that you, the student, get your money's worth. The majority of TSU students are working adults looking for both long term and short term career help. Most of the courses I teach are designed to add analytical skills to your intellectual armory. I avoid exams whenever possible, preferring projects, papers and presentations. My quantitative courses are based on spreadsheets -- a tool everyone has on the desktop. I encourage students to bring their workplace challenges into the classroom.

Much of the research on adult education suggests self-paced, "self-graded" tasks are the most effective means of learning. Wherever possible, I use a contract grading system. You will be given progressively more difficult assignments with point values. You may work as hard as you see fit. This is a double-edged sword. While you have the freedom to do as you will, you also have the responsibility to ask questions, do the reading and budget your time.

In the classroom, I've always believed in having fun. Education doesn't have to be boring. It's my job to stimulate and agitate. I'll take any position that gets you out of your chair. A major component of the graduate experience is asserting yourself and defending unpopular positions. Look around in your organization. The achievers are usually those people who have defied convention, "mass think" and who have stretched the rules to their limits. Remember, you are paying me. Don't let me intimidate you.

It's my job to help you through the TU program. I'll do what ever I can, but you need to ASK! If I can help, give me a call. If you're unhappy with me, let me know. Remember, the program belongs to the students.

Lou Coraggio