Biography
Dr. Caleb Curfman is a History and Political Science faculty member at Northland Community & Technical College, where he has taught since 2018. He and his wife Carissa enjoy time at “the lake” and are working to start a flower farm with the help of their chocolate lab Cara. Before transitioning fully into the classroom, Caleb learned the value of self-evaluation and interpersonal communication through his career as an NCAA Women’s Basketball official. A Quality Matters and HyFlex Certified instructor, he is internationally recognized for his work in inclusive teaching practices and innovative assessment strategies. He has been featured on the Lecture Breakers podcast and by One Higher Ed, where he is one of their global experts in teaching and learning. His dedication to student success has earned him the NISOD Award for Excellence. He also hosts the podcast Assess Without the Stress: Promoting Engagement, Agency, and Inclusion in Higher Ed.
Recent publications:
Curfman, Caleb. “Up North”: Reflections on Regional Identity in Northern Minnesota.” Middle West Review 12, no. 1 (2025): 479-482. https://dx.doi.org/10.1353/mwr.2025.a986748.
Curfman, Caleb. Without Recognition: Civil War Service, The Dakota War of 1862, and the Institutional Making of Empire in Minnesota, 1858-1890. PhD Dissertation (2026).
Current Projects:
US History Pre-1865 Zero Cost Textbook
Research Interests: The American Civil War, Early American History, Ancient World History, Religious History, and Presidential History
Classes taught at Northland:
- HIST 1103 World History Pre-1500
- HIST 1114 World History Post-1500
- HIST 2125 World Wars, 1914-1945
- HIST 2201 US History Pre-1865
- HIST 2202 US History Post-1865
- HIST 2210 Minnesota History
- HIST 2213 Civil War & Reconstruction
- HIST 2250 American Minorities
- PLSC 1101 Intro to Political Science
- PLSC 1102 American Government/Politics
- PLSC 1103 State and Local Government
- PLSC 2204 Comparative Governments
Department
Academics – Liberal Arts & Transfer Pathways Division
Office Location
Thief River Falls – 245C