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Spotlight: Jim Baskin

Instructors at JJC truly understand the importance of higher education. Take, for example, Professor James Baskin of the English and World Languages Department.

A graduate of Joliet West High School, Baskin earned an associate's degree from JJC, a bachelor's degree in English from the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), a law degree from Northwestern University, a master's degree in English from UIC, and a Ph.D. in English from UIC.

Baskin says he's always enjoyed communication and interpretation, so he began teaching rhetoric and literature part-time at JJC in 1995 and has been full-time since 1999.

"College students already know how to write," he says. "But my goal is to make their use of language more precise and analytical."

Baskin says his favorite author is William Shakespeare, which he says is "due to the bard's insight into the human condition." He adds he's also a big fan of "The Simpsons." In certain ways, Baskin says his varied interests reflect those of his students.

"Community colleges help people of all backgrounds to reach their potential. Having attended Joliet Junior College myself, I am proud to teach at such a friendly, efficient, and respected institution."