Shakespeare, Dr. Allan Casson, and Me
During my second year at USC law school I found myself bored. I’d already decided to practice commercial law, so courses in civil procedure or criminal law did not hold my interest. To keep myself engaged, however, I signed up for an evening class.
I always tried to choose my elective courses based on the quality of the teacher, rather than the subject matter. Dr. Allan Casson, a professor in the USC English Department, was highly recommended by several of my friends, so I enrolled in his evening Shakespeare class.
At the beginning of his second lecture students began to ask questions. Dr. Casson asked the class to hold their questions until the end and assured us that all of our questions would be answered during his lecture.
“What an arrogant snob,” I thought. “At the end of his lecture I will have at least six questions he hasn’t answered.”
I must admit that his presentation was so comprehensive that he did, indeed, answer every question I might have thought of. In fact, I scribbled notes at a furious rate for the full 2-1/2 hours, and this turned out to be one of the most educational and enjoyable classes I’d ever attended.
The final exam was a single essay question. We were asked to discuss the interrelationships among the five Shakespeare plays we had studied. My initial reaction was, “This is the best test question I’ve ever read.” My second reaction was, “I don’t even know how to start to answer this question.”
In every situation where I’m not sure how to proceed, I stuff the problem into my subconscious, and ask for an answer. This usually works.
During that exam I had an almost “out-of-body” experience as I watched my right hand write a lengthy essay, including information I didn’t even know I had learned. I was amazed. And delighted.
Dr. Casson had a successful career at USC and received USC’s Associates Award for Excellence in Teaching in 1966 and 1978. Based upon my experience, he richly deserved all accolades.
As I write this, I’m reminding myself that it might be a good idea for me, even today, to find another outstanding teacher, and enjoy learning something new. It’s fun.
As they say, it’s never too late to enjoy a successful childhood.
Alan