Profile

Teaching Philosophy

The Latin word from which "education" comes, "educere," literally means "to lead out of." This process happens during student discussions. Members of the class discover what they know and understand by articulating their thoughts. The professor's job is to provide, through lecture and questions, the leading.

Opportunities for Students

I am a Writing Specialist and can help students with their essays.

Academic Background

Ph.D., Prose Fiction, Cornell University, 1971
M.F.A., Creative Writing, Cornell University, 1969
B.A., English (with honors), Stanford University, 1967

Professor Alley began his teaching career as a professor and director of composition at the School of the Ozarks (1972–75), served as an associate professor of English at the University of Idaho (1975-82), and joined the Clark Honors College in 1982 as a professor of literature. Alley served as Acting Director of the honors college from 1989-90 and again in 1992. His ongoing contributions, both academic and administrative, to the University of Oregon include introducing new courses into the honors college curriculum: Three Great Novels, The Comedy of Jane Austen, and Literature By and About Gay Men; sitting on the University Senate and the Undergraduate Council, which oversees the development of undergraduate curriculum at the university; and participating in the Committee on Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Concerns, which he chaired from 1995-6.