From Asia to Europe to Trine University

Eric Goddarderic goddard

Trine University - Jannen School of Arts & Sciences
B.A., Taylor University; M.A., Ph.D., University of Wisconsin-Madison
260.665.4264  |  email

My childhood spent overseas in South Korea and Bangladesh gave me an early interest in world history and culture. I ultimately followed a passion to study the early history of Europe, focusing on the history of medieval France while earning my Ph.D. at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

It was a thrill for me as a young scholar to have a chance to do research in the Vatican Secret Archives in Rome and regional archives in France while studying the medieval University of Paris. That research has led to a series of edited volumes and articles on the university.

As a teacher, I strive to create an interactive learning environment with students – building on their knowledge, while discovering new insights with them. Whether in introductory or advanced classes, I engage students with documents and media to investigate historical problems.

I live in Angola with my wife, Jeanette. In my spare time, I try to keep up with our four cats and home repairs on our house (built in 1900). I also can be found strolling the paths near our home listening contentedly to audiobooks.