About Dr. Michael Hawkins
Author, Scholar, Podcaster, and Consultant
Michael Hawkins, Ph.D., is a leading scholar of Southeast Asian history with a specialization in imperialism, Islam, and the Philippines.
Michael Hawkins – Education
- Dr. Hawkins holds a Ph.D. in History from Northern Illinois University (2009).
- His dissertation, “Imperial Historicism and American Military Rule in the Philippines’ Muslim South, 1898-1913”, examined the impact of American imperial ideology on the Muslim population of the Philippines.
- Former J. William Fulbright Fellow
- He also holds M.A. and B.A. degrees in History from Boise State University (2004) and Brigham Young University (2002), respectively.
“Hawkins is nothing short of amazing. He is incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the field. … Very cool lectures. He is my favorite in the history department…” – Student review on Rate My Professors
Research and Publications
Dr. Hawkins’s research and publications focus on imperialism and Islam in Southeast Asia, among other issues. He has published two highly regarded historical monographs – Making Moros: Imperial Historicism and American Military Rule in the Philippines Muslim South, 1898-1913 (2013) and Semi-Civilized: The Moro Village at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, 1904 – that examine the colonial experience of Moros, or Filipino Muslims. He has also co-authored books on language and culture, and written dozens of articles on a variety of subjects.
Teaching Philosophy
Dr. Hawkins is a passionate educator who believes in the importance of helping students develop critical thinking skills and a deeper understanding of the world. His courses explore the rich history and cultures of Asia, encouraging students to engage with diverse perspectives and historical contexts. Dr. Hawkins is also a dedicated and award winning mentor and advisor.
Experience
Dr. Hawkins has extensive teaching experience. He was most recently a tenured full professor and department chair at Creighton University, where he served since 2010, and has served on multiple university, college, and departmental committees. Previously, he held positions at Grand Valley State University and Boise State University. In addition to his teaching duties, Dr. Hawkins has been active in various academic organizations, including the American Academy of Religions and the Association of Asian Studies.
Courses Taught: Creighton University
- “The Asian World”
- “Modern China”
- “History of Southeast Asia”
- “American Imperialism in the Philippines”
- “Gender in Asian Cultures”
- “Colonialism and Agency”
- “History of India”
- “Modern Japan”
- “Critical Issues in Human Inquiry: Colonial Legacies in Asia”
- “Global Perspectives: Asia and the World” [with a 4 week and 5 week online version]
- “History Workshop”
- “Empire in the Pacific: A Study Abroad Program (FLPA) to Hawaii and the Philippines
Courses Taught: Grand Valley State University
- “Intro to World Civilizations”
- “World History to 1500”
- “Empire, Culture, and Conflict in Asia: 1750 to the Present”
- “History of Islamic Civilization”
Courses Taught: Boise State University
- “Eastern Civilizations” including sections on China, Japan, and Southeast Asia
Beyond the Classroom
Dr. Hawkins’s commitment to Southeast Asia extends beyond the classroom. He has served as a consultant for the US military, including STRATCOM, and has delivered public lectures on a variety of topics related to the region. He is also fluent in Tagalog, the national language language of the Philippines.
Author
Making Moros: Imperial Historicism and American Military Rule in the Philippines’ Muslim South
Dekalb: Northern Illinois University Press, 2013. [reprinted in the Philippines by Anvil Publishing Inc., 2015]
Author
Semi-Civilized: The Moro Village at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition
Ithaca: NIU Press, and imprint of Cornell University Press, 2020.
Co-Author with Rhodalyne Gallo-Crail
Filipino Tapestry: Language Through Culture
Madison: University of Wisconsin Press, 2012.