An oral history conducted by Susan Resnik, Ph.D. with former San Diego State University Professor Allan Anderson on July 17, 2009. In 1962, Doctor Anderson came to San Diego State College as an assistant professor of philosophy. In 1969, he helped to form the Department of Religious Studies. He became a professor in that department, specializing in Eastern religions. Anderson also conducted a series of interviews with Jiddu Krishnamurti, which aired on KPBS. Doctor Anderson received the California State Distinguished Teaching Award in 1970, and in 1982 and 1983 the Alumni Association awarded him with the Outstanding Faculty Award. He also formed Metanoia in La Jolla, a self-transformation study group. He retired in 1985, becoming Professor Emeritus of Religious Studies. Anderson's oral history documents his teaching philosophy, his love of language and literature, and his interests in Eastern philosophy and the wisdom tradition. Especially noteworthy are Doctor Anderson's readings of two poems from his children's book of poetry titled, Songs from the Mifflinger Sea and a Little Cove of Nonsense. Doctor Anderson also describes his ideal student-teacher relationship as well as his teaching methods. This oral history was made possible by a grant from the John and Jane Adams Endowment for the Humanities and is part of the University Archives Multimedia Files Collection. Names mentioned during the interview include: Mary Hicklin, Bruce Hanson, Alan Watts, Leslie Rhea Lewis, and Jiddu Krishnamurti., San Diego State University
