Faculty Spotlight: Spanish Chair Christopher C. Oechler
Spanish Chair Christopher C. Oechler has taught at Gettysburg College since 2016.
Oechler received his M.A. in Spanish literature and cultures from New York University in Madrid and his Ph.D. in Golden Age Spanish literature from The Pennsylvania State University.
At Gettysburg, Oechler teaches all levels of Spanish language, as well as upper-level courses that focus on Spain’s Golden Age of literature and arts. He advocates for open access to course materials through Open Educational Resources (OER) in his classes, and with faculty colleagues he has co-written several OER textbooks. Oechler indicates that they are freely available online by searching for “Learn Spanish!”
Oechler’s research and teaching interests focus on Spanish Golden Age culture, history, and literature. His fascination with the early modern Spanish comedia and Don Quixote draws students into lively class discussions. He encourages them to connect with course material while developing their critical opinions alongside academic Spanish language skills.
Always game to engage students in experiential learning, Oechler and a team of Gettysburg students recently worked to create a virtual-reality model of a 17th-century Spanish playhouse, the Corral del Príncipe. Computer science students brought their expertise to his humanistic research, creating a stunning interdisciplinary model of a theater that has not existed for centuries. Students in his classes regularly visit archives and museums in D.C. to see, feel, and smell old books and artwork.
“The College provides a true liberal arts experience, encouraging students to combine their overlapping interests into some really fascinating areas of study that lead to fulfilling lives and careers.” - Spanish Chair Christopher C. Oechler
As an advisor for the campus radio station, 91.1 WZBT, Oechler encourages students to share their passions with others, as the students in his First-Year Seminar on vinyl records do over the airwaves.
Oechler appreciates the variety of cultural events happening in the Gettysburg College community and beyond. He advises students to take part in the many opportunities available within the town of Gettysburg and its surroundings, like teaching English as a Second Language, participating in Salsa on the Square, volunteering through El Centro, or taking part in outreach activities and trips through the Center for Public Service.
Outside of the classroom, Oechler enjoys singing and performing as Chris Carl at various venues around the area. He is a certified Pennsylvania Master Naturalist and serves as president of the Board of Directors of Strawberry Hill Nature Center in Fairfield. You can find him playing in the woods, strumming his guitar, or enjoying a one-dip scoop of butter pecan at Mr. G’s Ice Cream shop with his wife and 2-year-old toddler (aka ice cream monster).
“Gettysburg College is such a great place to work and study,” Oechler said. “The College provides a true liberal arts experience, encouraging students to combine their overlapping interests into some really fascinating areas of study that lead to fulfilling lives and careers. Learn Spanish!”