David discusses political science

For nearly 30 years, Dr. Steven David has been an educator and leader of the Hopkins community. Currently, David splits his time as Vice Dean for Undergraduate Education and as a faculty member in the Political Science Department.

Whether he is serving the Hopkins community as a professor or dean, David has garnered the approval and praise from both his peers and his students.

To highlight a few of his distinguished awards, David has received the Excellence in Teaching Award by the Johns Hopkins Alumni Association and the George Owen Teaching Award for Outstanding Ability in Teaching and Devotion to Undergraduates.

David has demonstrated this devotion to undergraduates through his work in co-forming and managing the Woodrow Wilson Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program, which allows students in the School of Arts and Sciences to gain valuable research experience in their perspective areas of interest.

Separate from his position as vice dean, David has served as a faculty member in the Political Science Department since 1981.

“I really enjoy teaching here and I enjoy all types of classes,” David said. “Lecture classes are unfairly maligned.”

David’s passion for teaching at Hopkins and educating Hopkins students is unmistakable. He appreciates the commitment to excellence that is grounded in the Hopkins education.

“ I love the students here,” David said. “They are smart, enthusiastic, open minded and passionate about the subjects we talk about.”

David has been teaching and researching his perspective subjects for many years. His focus in international relations is on international security and the developing world.

David has always been interested in international affairs, even as a young boy growing up in the Bronx.

“Growing up in the south Bronx taught me about ethnic conflict, anarchy, the use of force…everything is in the south Bronx,” David said.

David’s high school experience was a memorable one as well. He attended a large all-boys public high school.

“My high school was 7,000 boys in the Bronx.. ..it holds the greatest number of alumni in the national basketball association,” David said.

After high school, David attended Union College, where he majored in Political Science. As an undergraduate, David remembers being politically involved in numerous organizations.

“Politically, as an undergraduate, I was involved in a lot of protests against the Vietnam war,” David said. “Since then, my views have evolved —not so much about Vietnam but about other things.”

After receiving his bachelor’s degree from Union, David advanced to Stanford University for graduate school. At Stanford, David received his Masters in East Asian Studies.

He would then finish his education with his Ph.D. from Harvard University. While at Harvard, David recalls learning from Samuel Huntington, his thesis advisor and renowned political theorist.

After receiving his Ph.D., David became a teaching fellow at Harvard and then became a professor Hopkins.

Although he has received multiple awards and prestigious recognitions, David is most proud of his garnered reputation amongst Hopkins students.

“I think I’ve earned the respect of a lot of the students at Hopkins. That means a lot to me, and I will take this with me,” David said.

In turn, David offers valuable advice to Hopkins students. He stresses having a broad-based education and pursuing one’s passions.

“In terms of studying, they [students] should really study what they have a passion for,” David said. “Important thing is to do something you enjoy, don’t be too utilitarian.”

Drawing from his own undergraduate experiences, David recommends challenging opinions and voicing your own concerns.

“This is a time for people, in a civil way, to question authority and not simply accept views because they are told by others,” David said.

Currently, David is writing a book on the existential threats to Israel’s existence. He is also planning on teaching at Sciences Po over the summer.

In the meantime, David enjoys playing racquetball, as well as collecting and studying snakes. Although he no longer owns his Scalier King snake, David still looks for snakes during his free time.

When students enter David’s office they are greeted by his charming puppy, Daisy, and the chime of his quirky bird clock. It is a welcoming atmosphere — an atmosphere fitting of a professor committed to undergraduate enrichment and success.