War looms. International alliances are strained. The threat of biological or chemical terrorist attacks is serious.

During a time of national and global uncertainty, some professors are helping students cope by sharing their insight into current affairs.

The Penn State community houses experts in politics, religion, other cultures, science and history. Together, they can offer their expertise to help students make sense of each day's headlines.

One of the most effective ways to teach is to link the curriculum to current events. This helps students understand the real-life implications of the course material. Professors who can broach the Iraq situation within their subject matter are to be commended.

Professors shouldn't preach or push their personal politics onto their students during class time, nor should they entirely abandon their subject matter to discuss Iraq.

A student who signed up for a geometry course probably does not want to hear a lecture about international politics.

International politics students, however, would benefit if their professors could incorporate current events into the curriculum.

Professors should share their knowledge and encourage students to have intelligent, rational discussions based on the principles learned in those classes.

Some professors might have strong opinions about current events, and they could serve the Penn State community by offering forums outside of class time.

About 200 people came to hear faculty members debate military action in Iraq last Thursday, showing that there is a strong interest in forums to discuss current events.

We live in a complex world, and the thoughtful guidance of faculty members can help us negotiate it.