Heath Spencer

I have been teaching at Seattle University since 2002, offering courses on the First World War, religion and politics in Nazi Germany, revolution and rebellion, genocide in the modern world, and global migration through the lens of Catholic social teaching. Although these courses vary in terms of time, location, and focus, I find all of them to be relevant when thinking about contemporary challenges such as nationalism, militarism, economic inequality, and the marginalization or persecution of persons on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, or citizenship status.

I grew up in the Seattle area but have also lived in Kentucky, Kansas, and Arizona. My wife and I recently moved to Tucson so we could be more involved with organizations that serve asylum seekers along the U.S.-Mexico border. When I am not teaching or volunteering, I enjoy walking, hiking, gardening, and baking bread.

Teaching and Research Interests

Modern Europe, modern Germany, social and religious history.

Heath Spencer CV (PDF)