See me after class is a weekly column where a different professor reveals their variety favorites.
Dr. Rachel Head is an assistant professor of sociology who received her B.S. from Missouri State University, M.A. from The University of Oklahoma and Ph.D. from North Carolina State University.
What’s your favorite book? What book would you say all undergrads need to read before they graduate?
It’s difficult for me to pick one favorite book! I’m a big fan of true crime and one of the first novels I read was “In Cold Blood” by Truman Capote, an iconic piece of true crime writing, before it became a popular genre (the book was published in 1966). I work some with students interested in medicine and public health, so I would recommend “The Social Transformation of American Medicine” by Paul Starr, which provides a grand narrative of the development of and changes in U.S. healthcare and medicine.
What’s reading like for you? Is there a specific setting, mood, drink set-up?
I love to read. Once I start a book, it’s difficult for me to put it down. I don’t think there’s anything better than a rainy day, snuggled up on the couch, with a cup of coffee and a good book.
Is there a movie/show that you always return to?
One of my favorite movies is “Clue,” starring one of my favorite actors, Tim Curry.
What was the last book/movie/show that you actually found funny?
I’m a big fan of ironic humor and silly humor, so I enjoy “MST3K” and “RiffTrax.”
What’s your favorite Tulsa restaurant? Do you have any food/restaurant routines?
I think one of my favorite restaurants in Tulsa is India Palace. My usual routine, however, is to cook at home with my family.
Is there a media/pop culture/entertainment/music side to you that students wouldn’t expect?
I’ve loved dance, especially ballet, since I was a child. Joffrey performed a ballet in the 1990s to the songs of Prince (seriously, it’s called “Purple Rain the Ballet”) that I absolutely loved when I was younger. One of the things I enjoy about living in Tulsa is the Tulsa Ballet.
If you had to pick three songs for a Playlist of Your Life, what would they be?
I prefer albums over playlists—a good album tells a story/takes you on a journey. So, I would say Radiohead’s “OK Computer,” “Rattle and Hum” by U2, Peter Gabriel’s “Us,” and tied for third is Led Zeppelin’s “Physical Graffiti.”
What are two interesting facts about yourself that are not well known?
I wanted to be a professional dancer when I was younger and performed in the World’s Fair in Seville, Spain as a teenager.
Tell me about your performance in the World’s Fair. How did you become a performer? What was the experience like?
The performance in the World’s Fair was a once in a lifetime experience. My dance company was invited to perform after being scouted at a national dance competition.
Did you ever go to classes or school for dance? Why did you end up studying sociology instead of pursuing dance full-time?
I took dance classes since the age of five and really thought it was something I’d pursue professionally. I eventually realized, however, that the competition was steep and the pay not so great. So, I transferred to a different university, discovered sociology through an introductory course, and was hooked.
