Susan McCaslin

A graduate of Smith College and Harvard Divinity School, Susan McCaslin spent her career as a teacher and educational administrator, first at Harvard Divinity School and then for 27 years at Phillips Academy Andover, where she taught in the Philosophy and Religious Studies Department and served as academic dean and associate dean of faculty. For Osher she has taught courses in the Hebrew Bible, or Old Testament; The Four Gospels; King David; and an introduction to Islam. She confesses that the Book of Genesis is among her favorite biblical texts. (2/7/24)

In the Beginning: The Book of Genesis (Winter Term 2024)

Participant Testimonials:

Susan did a great job distilling major themes from a very complicated book.  She both lead the class and encouraged and validated student participation.

The course even exceeded our learning expectations not only to again become familiar with the Book of Genesis, but also to better appreciate the intention of the script and the backgrounds of the groups who influenced or set expectations for the story.

The Four Gospels (Spring Term 2023)

Participant Testimonials:

Masterful course design and execution.

Perfectly designed, perfectly paced. There was no need for technology--just the text!

The Book of Job (Spring Term 2022) 

Participant Testimonials:

I'd come back for anything Susan teaches!

Susan was masterful in moving the class along the relevant discussion points. The amount of material to read was reasonable given the difficulty of the poetic language and the complexity of the issues involved.

Absalom, Absalom! (Winter Term 2022)

Participant Testimonials:

 This is/was the best Osher course I've taken: Jon and Susan guided us through Faulkner's complex novel,, allowing discussion to flow seamlessly.

A truly wonderful academic experience. 

The Book of Job (Winter Term 2021)

Participant Testimonials:

 Very organized, very well researched, very well planned.

Susan is an excellent teacher, she is an expert of her subject.

In the Beginning: The Book of Genesis (Winter Term 2020)

Participant Testimonials:

 Susan is very well versed in her subject and encouraged the participants to engage with the subject matter.

Absolutely. Susan knowledge of Genesis and relevant interpretations was outstanding.

Reconsidering David (Spring Term 2019)

Participant Testimonials:

The leader is excellent. Presentation, dealing with comments and questions all were 'in tune.'

Susan was well organized and very knowledgeable. She provided study guidelines and spurred thoughtful discussion.