What Teachers Love to Watch
Believe it or not, the members of Berkeley’s esteemed faculty do in fact have lives outside of educating and enriching their students. So what do they do during their precious free time? Much like their students, Berkeley teachers like to relax and unwind after a long day at work by watching television. When six faculty members were asked to list their favorite TV shows, they were eager to share their preferences. Here is what a few of Berkeley’s most beloved teachers like to watch:
Upper Division Science Teacher Andrew Vandenberg: “The X Files,” “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” “Baskets,” “Venture Brothers” and “Portlandia.”
Upper Division Latin Teacher Jennifer Frank: “Downton Abbey,” “Game of Thrones” and “Outlander.”
“Downton Abbey” is one of Frank’s favorite TV shows.
Upper Division English Teacher Pamela Harris-Marcus: “Mad Men,” “Grey’s Anatomy” and “How to Get Away with Murder.”
“Mad Men” is one of Harris-Marcus’ favorite programs.
Upper Division Spanish Teacher Luz Marina Engel: “The Walking Dead,” “Dr. Who,” “Saturday Night Live,” “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart,” “Family Feud” and “Undercover Boss.”
One of Engel’s favorite programs is “The Walking Dead.”
Upper Division History Teacher Andre Partykevich : “House of Cards,” “Downton Abbey” and “The Rachel Maddow Show.”
Upper Division History Teacher Tim Torkilsen: “Breaking Bad,” “Game of Thrones,” “The Walking Dead,” “Samford and Son,” “All in the Family,” “Vikings” and “The Big Bang Theory.”
As you can see, the television programs enjoyed by teachers are very similar to those preferred by their pupils. Students should therefore feel encouraged to engage in lively discussion with their instructors about the latest tragic death on “Grey’s Anatomy” (R.I.P. McDreamy) or their theories regarding the next season of “Game of Thrones.” They may be surprised to discover that they have more in common with their teachers than they previously believed. Or, at the very least, they might be able to waste a bit of class time (just kidding!).
Correction: This article previously misstated that Jennifer Frank is an English teacher in the Upper Division; she is, in fact, a Latin teacher. We apologize for the mistake.
Hannah is a senior who is excited to begin her first year as a writer for Fanfare. She is a dedicated member of History Bowl, a Writing Center Tutor,...
