In this Quick Hits, Assistant Professor of Classics Patricia Craig talks children’s literature, Renaissance polyphony, and “Wicked.”

What’s your favorite children’s book?

I really love the book “Corduroy” which is about a little bear who comes to life and loses a button on his corduroy trousers. It’s a very sweet story. The magical aspect of the toys coming alive at night always fascinated me. I used to pray that my porcelain dolls would come to life at night. And then the care that the little girl in the story shows for her bear is so sweet.

If you could eat only one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Definitely Indian food, specifically yellow curry. I really would like it if Hillsdale had an Indian restaurant. That would make me very glad.

If you could be the lead singer for anything, what would it be and why?

If I were a singer, I would be in Broadway musicals — a dream to pursue in my next life. I suppose I would really like to be Elphaba in “Wicked.”

Are there any trends that you think should never come back? 

One thing is women wearing tights without anything else. In the ’80s, there were those matching sweatsuits. Now we’ve made it worse with matching tights suits!

Is there a fashion that you think should come back?

Puffed sleeves.

What do you do for fun?

I go running. I really like to play volleyball. I like to play Spikeball with my siblings and I like to sing. I speak Latin for fun, too. 

What are some songs that you have completely memorized?

A lot of songs. Unfortunately, the first thing that comes to mind is Britney Spears — probably her entire first album because it was the first CD I ever owned! Also several polyphony pieces from the Renaissance. 

Do you have a favorite genre of music?

My favorite genre of music, especially to listen to in the car, is country music, both older and newer country music. And then Renaissance polyphony would be my other favorite genre. 

What’s your biggest pet peeve?

With students? Definitely walking out in the middle of class and then walking back in several minutes later without explanation. 

What is the coolest place you’ve ever visited?

The first thing that comes to mind is the Cathedral of Orvieto in Italy. I remember going there when I was between my junior and senior year of college with a couple of professors at my undergrad institution, University of Dallas, and we were able to sit in front of the façade of this beautiful medieval cathedral for about an hour, just looking at and interpreting the mosaics. 

How many siblings do you have?

I have five siblings, and I am the second oldest. 

What was your favorite pet growing up?

My dog, Sally Joyful Heart. She was very joyful, and she had a heart shape in the fur on her forehead. We loved that dog, but she kept on trying to run away and become a hunting dog. That became a little difficult for my parents, so they gave her to my uncle who had hunting dogs. Alas. 

What is your favorite family tradition? 

I think probably what we do on Christmas Eve with my family. We like to sit around a fire and have hot cocoa or tea and sing Christmas carols as night falls. 

What terrifies you most about teaching?

I can be a little scared of my students, I admit! I guess I worry that they won’t pay attention or they won’t care or they will wish I were a better professor. I guess that would be the most terrifying thing. 

What do you like most about teaching?

I most of all like to see students come to understand something in a new way.