Professor Hurka is famous around campus. When I said I was interested in creative writing, his beginning class was recommended immediately. Just check out the glowing reviews on ratemyprofessors.com! Humble, self-deprecating, and encouraging, “Uncle Joe,” as many of his students call him, is always there for his students. Whether it be through telling us a humorous story or by reading us one of his favorites, Professor Hurka nurtures everyone in his classes and thus, has earned his shining reputation.
Professor Joseph Hurka
Department: English
Hometown: Henniker, New Hampshire
What do you teach? Creative Writing: Fiction Beginner in the Fall/Spring/Summer
How many years have you taught at Tufts? 23 years
What’s your favorite aspect of Tufts?
It’s the students; it’s no question. It’s being able to spend time with intelligent faces because that keeps you young. That’s really the main thing. (Laughs) I conspire with my students against the world, that’s really what I feel, not only in the class but after the class even when they go to graduate school…to help get them to where they want to go and have a success somewhere.
Why are you passionate about what you teach?
I’m passionate about it because I’m a writer. And because in a way, I have a chance to teach students about their own empathy, their own ability to look at human beings a little more deeply maybe. I think the world needs that now. I’m not kidding myself that I’m probably only 1/20th of their lives at Tufts but I enjoy going along for the journey.
Have you had a moment where you realized teaching was right for you?
It was at the funeral of Morse Hamilton, a creative writing teacher at Tufts. A lot of his students got up and read the comments he wrote on his papers and it was really an ‘aha moment.’ That it’s serious stuff because they’re reading it even after his death. There have been a number of experiences like that, where you see in the face of mortality how important students and teachers are to each other. I know you guys go out and get involved in all kinds of things in Boston and other subjects. But in the space I have with you, there’s an important magical thing that happens.
What were you like in college?
I was interested in everything, but I was primarily only applying myself when it was going to be my life somehow. I did it with writing and reporting and ski racing and music. Those are still the things I’m interested in now. (Laughs) But, boy, there are classes I didn’t do well in. I dropped out of college sophomore year midway through and worked as a reporter. I luckily went back to school to take a photography course and the school I went to had Andre Dubus (novelist) and he took me under his wing. The rest just sailed from there. I became his teaching assistant. So, I was not at first a good student but I graduated summa cum laude because I became so interested.
What was your favorite part of college?
(Laughs) Certainly there were all kinds of girls and parties and friends and you’re released into a new world. I had been very responsible and helped run my father’s company which was tough work, so going to college, there was a part of me that felt very guilty…but when I went back, [college] was important to me and so was Andre Dubus. Andre was, no question in my mind, the next Ernest Hemingway.
What advice would you give to college students?
To really think about what you love. Not what someone tells you that you love. Not an image in your brain about what you think people want to see you doing. But, think about the things that really move you at this young age and then find a way to do those things with your life. Then life becomes a great thrill.
Why do you like Boston as a city?
It’s my home. Boston is the hub; I grew up around it. I feel at home when I fly over Boston and see it before me.
Who inspires you?
The students again, quite honestly.
If you have had any wonderful, awesome, inspirational professors, please feel free to e-mail me their names so I can interview them in “Campus Class-Acts!” (Alexandria.chu@tufts.edu)