Meet Your Instructor

Professor Dan Enbysk

Hello! I'm a Portland, Oregon native, but moved up here 10 years to begin teaching at TCC. I teach this course, the 101 Intro to Politics course, Political Theory, and have previously taught the 101 course as an Honors course.

I have an MA and BA in Political Science from Portland State University. My specialty and training are in Political Theory and Philosophy, and my college minor was history, primarily German and European History.

Prior to teaching at TCC, I was overseas for four years in Viet Nam. I taught American Government, American History, World History, English and TOEFL English, as well as Computer Information and Technology. My Vietnamese language skills are terrible. My eating skills greatly improved in Vietnam. Among the new foods that I ate there were scorpian, crickets, snake and some other things that I don't care to mention! Prior to my time in Vietnam, I coordinated volunteer programs in Oregon while pursuing my graduate degree. (Links to an external site.)

During a normal year, I play trumpet with the TCC Symphonic Band, but this year, due to COVID-19, I've started to learn to play guitar. (I still think I can be in a rock band someday!) At minimum, I would like to do a little songwriting whether that translates into rock star status or not. :) Finally, being from Portland, I'm a big Blazers, Timbers and Ducks fan. (Don't hate me because I'm beautiful!).

Besides that, I have two kids, 8 and 11 who are both doing what you are doing - trying to learn online, so I'm sympathetic to your plight and the challenges this pandemic have put in front of us. Let's try to make the most of it! We'll make it through together.

Education
M.A. Political Science, Portland State University (2003)
B.A. Political Science, Portland State University (1992)

Educational Philosophy

Think, Inquire, Question, Grow.
Think some more and don't stop!

Contact Information

Physical Office: n/a

Email: denbysk@tacomacc.edu

Communication Plan

The best way to email me is via Canvas email. Please try to avoid emailing me via campus mail as I get tons of other mail in that mailbox and tracking our conversations is easier if we keep it in Canvas. Thanks!

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