David S. Busch is a scholar, teacher, and writer. His scholarly research examines modern political and social history with a primary focus on democracy and education. His first book charts new ground in histories of the modern American university by examining the institutional politics associated with the rise of “civic engagement” and “service learning” programs now common on college campuses. His next academic project revisits lost ideas of the liberal arts in the middle of the twentieth century with a particular focus on a cohort of thinkers who sought to synthesize progressive and traditional pedagogies. Inspired by his return “home” to Cleveland, he is also working on a personal essay and teaching book that seeks to complicate the declension narratives of rust belt cities like Cleveland. In his teaching, he aims to create intellectual spaces and experiences where students can draw connections between past and present in ways that help them develop as critical thinkers, thoughtful professionals, and engaged citizens. Busch completed his PhD in History at Carnegie Mellon University and he’s held teaching and administrative posts at Carnegie Mellon University (Qatar), Wayne State University, and Case Western Reserve University. Currently, he teaches at Cuyahoga Community College, where he directs a summer humanities program.
