Arts and Sciences
Division Home Page
Faculty / Staff

Courses
Anthropology
Art
Art Gallery
Biology / SCIT
Chemistry
Conflict Management
Drama
Fashion Design
Geology
Government
History
Humanities
Interior Design
Music
Philosophy/Religion
Physical Education
Physics
Psychology
Sociology

KEVIN NEPTUNE History Contact Information Office location: A546 MWF 8:15-8:55 Phone: 214-860-2392 Email: yayrockies@msn.com Website:

Office Hours
A546 MWF 8:15-8:55

Education

• M.S. -History
  • Texas A&M University-Commerce, 2003
• B.A. - Cum Laude, American Studies
  • University of Texas at Dallas, 1997
• Honors and Awards
  • Phi Alpha Theta National History Honor Society
  • Golden Key Naional Honor Society
  • El Centro Arts & Sciences Excellence In Teaching Award, 2003-2004

How I teach
I have a very laid back and casual classroom environment. My classes emphasize critical thinking and the ability to analyze historical concepts and ideas. My goal throughout any semester is not only to teach students history and provide a new sense of appreciation and understanding of the subject, but also improve critical thinking and individual analysis skills, which ultimately benefit all students during and after their college career.

My interest in United States history is primarily political, and my preferred areas are the Revolution, politics of secession, and WW II (really 1919-1950). I enjoy political movements, the clash of ideologies, and the struggle for political and diplomatic success. It’s fascinating to see what people and institutions were trying to do, and why and how one thing affects another. In my teaching, my emphasis on politics also allows me to spillover into other areas like economics, labor, and constitutional history among other sidebars. This leads me to one of the things I appreciate the most about history - it is a broad and enlightening subject that requires understanding on a number of levels. Students who apply themselves will have an excellent understanding of the foundation and development of the United States, how the nation arrived where it is today, and the cost of freedom and what it means to be free.

Information about me
I began my college career in the fall of 1992 at the age of 27, based solely on the grounds  there had to be a better alternative for my future than the restaurant business. Prior to that fateful summer and fall my life consisted of performing in clubs in Deep Ellum and Lower Greenville, and bartending. That summer I reached my three-year anniversary with TGI Friday’s, and after turning in a good performance record I was offered a position in management by my regional manager (a man I still respect to this day). After much pondering I decided to accept it. After all it’s a stable company, good benefits, and I knew within five years I would have my own store as a general manager, and eventually end up in the ranks of corporate management; all the while pulling in really good money. On the eve of formally accepting the promotion, a notion crept into my head, what if I don’t want to be in restaurants when I’m 35? I then began to think of other progressive options because I could not very well turn this down and stay pat. So I thought, well, I could go to college, get a graduate degree, and teach high school and coach baseball. That sounded appealing, so I decided I would study United States history because I noticed I had acquired a strong patriotic streak over the years, and I figured it would be interesting to know what lay behind our country. Plus, outside of music and drama, it was the only subject I remembered being even remotely interesting growing up in public schools. I called my regional manager, informed him of my decision, and explained my reasons for turning down his generous offer. He admired my honesty and insightful thought process, and reminded me that Friday’s would always be there if I changed my mind.

I never did change my mind. The only thing that did change was my focus towards my career path. By the time I earned my bachelor’s degree I had grown to enjoy, respect, and appreciate the college environment and all it has to offer: academic freedom, full expression, the critical thought process of attacking historical concepts, and some really cool professors. This is where the real learning begins, I noticed, and I wanted to be a part of that level of the academic profession.