Q&A: Meet Professor Ronnie Olesker
Meet Your Political Science Mentor
Professor of Political Science Ronnie Olesker brings creativity and energy to her teaching, blending her love of fantasy with her expertise in international relations and security studies. Her classes engage students in active learning that inspires critical thinking and a deeper understanding of international politics.
You teach a Game of Thrones class. Why?
I absolutely love teaching Politics of Game of Thrones. It combines my passion for fantasy and my expertise in political science. Exploring political theories and conflict resolution through George R.R. Martin’s universe creates endless opportunities for creative thinking and critical analysis. It’s incredible to see students fall in love with the world of Game of Thrones while gaining a greater understanding of political science concepts.
How do you make your courses engaging?
I use active teaching methods like games and simulations. For example, students create avatars using AI tools and role-play characters from Game of Thrones to solve conflicts using political theories. These activities unleash creativity while encouraging students to think critically and collaborate. I also integrate modern tools like AI to add depth to our simulations, making the learning experience even more dynamic.
What do you value most about your students?
My students challenge me to adapt and grow, often bringing in new examples or perspectives from pop culture that resonate with today’s generation. They inspire me to continuously evolve my teaching to meet them where they are. I have learned that to be a good teacher, I need to think about the student holistically, and not just in the 3 hours we share space together in a classroom each week.
What’s an innovative course you’ve developed?
Politics of Game of Thrones is probably the most innovative course I teach, but I’ve also led impactful classes on the Israel-Palestine conflict—sometimes even taking students to Israel and Palestine during the summer. Another unique offering is Critical Security Studies, which occasionally includes trips to Ottawa for a security-focused conference, allowing students to engage directly with professionals in the field.
