Teaching

TEACHING PHILOSOPHY

My teaching philosophy is grounded in the belief that sociological education should do more than impart theoretical knowledge; it should actively engage students in critically addressing social injustices. Overall, I strive to create learning environments where students learn from readings, the instructor, from each other and, when possible, from community partners through community-engaged learning opportunities.

I am deeply committed to integrating critical perspectives on race, gender, and immigration into my courses, equipping students with analytic tools to pursue social justice in research and future careers, and their personal lives. Ultimately, my goal as an educator and mentor is to guide students in developing intellectual independence, critical thinking skills, and sociological imagination necessary to navigate and address pressing social issues. By fostering a learning environment that blends theory, research, and community engagement, I aim to empower students to become not only experts in their fields, but also socially responsible scholars and practitioners who use their knowledge to drive meaningful change in the world.

CLASSES TAUGHT

Introduction to Sociology

Social Problems

Sociology of Gender

Marriage and Family

Social Inequality

Introduction to Social Policy

Social Fieldwork

Sociology Senior Capstone Class

Interviewing and Group Dynamics

Civic Engagement

Race, Ethnicity, and Society

Ethnic Identity

Crossing Borders: Immigration & American Identities

Refugee Youth Experiences

Asylum, Refuge & Youth

Displacement & Belonging: Learning with Refugee and
Asylum-seeker Youth

Mentoring Through Making: Designing
and Creating with Refugee and Immigrant Youth

Fieldwork Internship: African Immigrant Health Project

COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES

The New School

Wagner College

Fordham University

Queens College, The City University of New York

Hostos Community College, The City University of New York

Borough of Manhattan Community College, The City University of New York

STUDENT TESTIMONIALS

"Prof Ludwig is a passionate teacher who is very well connected to the material both in a scholarly and practical sense. Her practical experience with asylum procedure greatly benefited the course. She demonstrated a lot of trust in the students, and everyone's participation reflected that. Class often went over because no one noticed the time and we were engaged in conversation."

Asylum, Refuge & Youth

"Dr. Ludwig is extremely knowledgeable and passionate about the subject. She challenges viewpoints and values what students have to say. Overall she makes the class an inviting space to be in and wants you to do your best in the class. She is also a great resource and connection to have. She gives extremely clear feedback on homework and exams."

Race, Ethnicity, & Society

"Dr. Ludwig is an excellent professor and a deeply passionate person. She brings you stories of people to help one see and understand the current issues with immigration. She engages with your thoughts and your experiences seriously and offers more basis what you share. She is also highly encouraging and motivates you to bring your real self to class. She makes the class a safe space."

Crossing Borders

"Incredibly effective and inspiring due to the fact that she has worked in the field of refugee resettlement for decades. Dr. Ludwig is a fountain of knowledge but she also values her students experiences and encourages participation and sharing. She will often reflect on a student’s comments in a way that contextualizes the conversation and enriches the class's understanding of certain topics."

Mentoring Through Making

"Your dedication shows in everything from how you prepare for classes, to how you interact with students, and it is admirable to see that, even for someone like me who has not always enjoyed going to school. Thank you for your constant support, your compassion and understanding, and your unwavering enthusiasm for teaching students about the people in the world around them. You have opened my eyes, and so many others', to things we never would have thought about, but now shape the way we look at the world."

Social Problems

"Best professor I have ever had, very very helpful, and always available outside of class. Made the topics interesting and encouraged discussions and participation."

Sociology of Gender