Dr. Robert Hostetter chose to teach at North Park because of its commitment to Christian values, justice, and social change, and its cultural engagement with the city of Chicago.
Through using the city as an extended classroom, Hostetter takes advantage of the rich cultural landscape so students can fully engage in their studies and apply it to their own lives and experiences. He also regularly assigns his students to see theatre and other performances throughout the city.
Hostetter encourages discussions of faith and belief through the questions, topics, and structure of his classes. “I am especially drawn to the biblical injunction to love one’s neighbor as one’s self,” he says. “This commitment to empathy, intercultural dialogue, and social justice appears in the courses I teach.”
His interest extends to his research on the Arab-Israeli Conflict. He is currently working on a book and performance based on interviews with individuals who are involved with peacekeeping efforts in the region.