English 241 is undoubtedly the most engaging English/Literature course I’ve ever taken. Along with the fresh approach of utilizing a blog to showcase our work, communicating in both an intimate (classroom) and online setting is very attractive. In class we discuss and debate (respectably and sometimes otherwise) our points and views. Online we have the General Assembly which is the consistent and very active discussion board that we spend a lot of time conversing, sharing and learning in. Being told that we would be communicating predominantly through the online setup for the class; both intimidated and agitated me, as I thought it would be like taking a distance learning course (which I didn’t sign up for). Although, initially weary, I was primarily intrigued by the professor’s emphasis on his availability and desire to assist in any way to successfully complete the class. True to his word, Dr. Brandon has demonstrated nothing less than 100% willingness to provide the best atmosphere and learning experience possible.
This course is providing me with essential elements required to be a better writer, reader and critical thinker. The further along I go in the class, I realize its significance in my writing and reflection of my work. I’ve always had an affinity for reading, writing and learning, so it’s been less challenging in regards to following the reading and writing assignments. Although, I comprehend exceptionally well, I have always found difficulty with analyzing the work of others. I know that I’ve always faced my challenges because of the gratification I acquire when I succeed, and I always do. And because I relate this gratification to power and truly living, I’m prepared to face the challenge head on. There are also various aspects relating to each key element that requires the ability to process the texts and information, and producing a profound knowledge surrounding both, the writer and their work.
As mentioned above, I am proficient in the key elements of the course, with the exception of analyzing the text. Although, somewhat challenged by the ability to intentionally ‘see’ what is not apparent in all writing, I am capable of comprehending most of what is being substantiated based upon the mood/tone of the work. An example of my proficiency in reading, writing and thinking critically can be assessed in regards J. Hector St. John Crevecoeur’s, Letter III: What Is an American. Having read this piece, I was able to assess (in comparison) the contrasts and the similarities our personal views as to what defines an American. Another example would be my assignment relating to the work of, Henry David Thoreau’s Walden, or Life in the Woods. Reading this experience was imperative in critical thinking. I constantly saw myself in Thoreau’s place while reading his experience in Walden. Although, I love nature, I detest total isolation and deprivation from my favorite things. Naturally ‘feeling’ what the writer has written has provided me with the proper understanding of and the ability to critically think and write about what American Romantic literature and the concepts of what Beauty and Sublime are.
A perfect example when describing the challenges of analyzing the work of other writers is one of the poems by Edgar Allan Poe. Having always read and loved Poe’s dark and eerie poems, I’ve never had the opportunity to descend into the ‘nature’ of his work. Conscious of Poe’s personal life and shortcomings, I understood ‘why’ he wrote the way he did. However, my awareness failed to recognize ‘how’ he wrote the way he did, his emotions beyond the apparent macabre. I’d never associated his work to sadness, only madness. In the class reading and discussion of, The Raven, I felt as if I’d never ‘read’ it before. I walked away with a sense of loneliness and loss, not the customary creepiness that previously followed. Without the thorough analysis of this work, I’d have completely missed the point that Poe was trying to convey in the poem.
The ‘Time Travel and Defining Literature’ discussion in Week One provides an illustration of my skills in academic argumentation, evaluation and synthesis of information. I was able to utilize the information from the texts and explain how and why I feel the way I do regarding the subjects. This assignment gave me the opportunity to reflect on and explain my feelings. The assignment requiring me to devise a list of virtues is by far the most thought provoking, to date. It’s forcing me to really look into myself and how I see myself, both internally and externally. This project will pose as the catalyst to both my becoming a better writer and person.
Although, I think that I need to work on various facets of Literary Knowledge, I am able to discern and apply the distinction of terminology associated with specific themes in literature in both formal and informal communication. I feel that the tone of the work denotes the formalities. Thoreau wrote in, Walden, what he felt and experienced, which provided a profound sense of intimacy and longing for life. Go Down, Moses, illustrates the perseverance those people possessed for their desire to be freed from bondage. In Common Sense, Thomas Paine, vigilantly wrote to the American people concerning adverse situations that were taking place and how to deal with it.
I am really excited about the communication aspect of this course. I really like the interaction amongst my classmates. I also appreciate the diverse views, opinions and personalities of everyone. Prime examples of how the class discussions are influencing me, are relative to character and open-mindedness. While interacting with my classmates and professor, I’ve gained some new perspective. I am learning that all the rights that we have in this country, are rights. And an individual’s choice to exercise that right is not wrong, despite how tasteless it may be. I am also learning that tolerance is a very broad situation, and that I’m not the only one making sacrifices to honor someone else’s ‘stuff’, people make the same sacrifice for me and mine. Although, I find it somewhat overwhelming to read and address so much of what everyone writes online, it’s very helpful, as well. The requirements aren’t harsh, but I find that there is so much to read and learn from the online discussions that I find it hard to stay on top of my original thoughts and opinions.
The digital technology portion of the class has been mastered. Initially, I was intimidated by the idea of managing a blog, but quickly overcame the obstacle. I have come to really enjoy the online posting as the method of displaying my work, thoughts and opinions. I have gotten to really enjoy reading the work of my classmates, and having the opportunity to learn, share and debate amongst them via the blog and General Assembly. Dr. Brandon’s approach to how this class can and will function productively and successfully is right on, and I hope the opportunity to encounter more like it presents itself.
Overall, I know that I have some work to do to fully acquire everything that this class has to offer, but I am confident that I am coming along, successfully. English 241 is proving itself to be as innovative as I thought it may be. In comparison to the English courses I’ve had in the past, this class seems to be one that will challenge both my writing and learning abilities. Based upon the thoroughness of the lectures and online interaction, I know that I must approach all of my assignments from various perspectives to accommodate the requirements and expectations of my professor and the outline of this course.
Although, the prospect of working harder in contrast to previous writing courses, I am excited to know that I will ultimately be a better writer, reader and person. The aspect of the class that stimulates me the most is that my classmates appear to be very free thinking, which will provide me with the opportunity to get the most out of the class. Also, the texts required for the class is incredibly eclectic, thus providing significant amounts of literary knowledge from various perspectives. Since reading is a strong point of mine, I don’t plan to put too much emphasis on it, but instead I plan to prepare myself for the real lesson in being able to analyze what I’m reading.
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