J. W. Smit

J. W. Smit was the Queen Wilhelmina Professor of the Language and Literature of the Netherlands. He was one of only two Columbia professors (along with Richard Bulliet) to have taught all four major Core Curriculum classes (including Lit Hum, Contemporary Civilization, Art Hum, and Music Hum). Smit, a lover of learning, spent much of his time teaching and studying rather than engaging in research. Upon his death in 2006 he was attempting to learn Chinese and was still an active participant in the Nobility and Civility colloquia.