English 241 was 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, and has proven to be the most essential part of learning in this class. In class, we’ve discussed and debated (respectably and sometimes otherwise) our points and views, and it has served well in providing perspective for reflection and writing assignments. The online General Assembly, which is the consistent and very active discussion board that we spend a lot of time conversing, sharing and learning in, has also been crucial to this learning experience. Although, I was intimidated by the idea of having to utilize the internet, exclusively for assignments, it has turned out to be the best method afforded to me to successfully complete this course. It has also turned out to be the least expensive and time consuming, because there were so many resources that were provided, hyperlinked and free of charge. Having so much of the work literally at my finger tips enabled me to focus primarily on the subject opposed to time consuming and financial burden of locating the information and to research. With the assistance of the entire class and professor, I can honestly say that I have been provided every possible advantage to acquiring the requirements of this class, despite the personal obstacles along the way.
This course has provided me with essential elements required to be a better writer, reader and critical thinker. During the course of this class, I’ve realized the significant role it has played in my writing, reflection and personal perspectives. Since, I’ve always had an affinity for reading, writing and learning the challenges related to the assignments were minimal. Interestingly, having had the chance to read and assess the work of my classmates proved to be a learning tool. While being able to read the work of others was an advantage, critiquing it proved difficult for me. Critiquing the work of others has always proven to be somewhat troublesome, as I think that writing is as unique as finger prints and each individual piece should be recognized and accepted, as such. Though, there are also various aspects relating to each key element that requires the ability to process the texts and information, producing a profound knowledge surrounding both the writer and their work is the most significant.
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. . Since reading is a strong point of mine, I didn’t place very much emphasis on it, which gave me what I needed to prepare for analyzing it.
As mentioned above, I am proficient in the key elements of the course, with the exception of analyzing the text. Before this class I was somewhat challenged by the ability to intentionally ‘see’ what is not apparent in all writing. Having only been previously capable of comprehending most of what is being substantiated based upon the mood/tone of the work; I have gained proficiency in reading between the lines. 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. While reading his experience in, Walden, I constantly saw myself in Thoreau’s place. 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.
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.
One of my goals was to work on various facets of Literary Knowledge, and during the course, I’ve learned 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.
In this class, communication played a major role. 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. Also, an individual’s choice to exercise that right is not wrong, despite how tasteless it may be. I have also learned 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’ve found it somewhat overwhelming to read and address so much of what everyone writes online, it’s very helpful, as well. The requirements weren’t harsh, but sticking to my original ideas was challenging, yet somehow, I believe that was the purpose.
Often engaged in what the class had to offer, the aspect of the class that stimulated me the most was that my classmates were very free thinking, which provided me with the opportunity to get the most out of the class. During debates, I was able to gain perspective, empathy and clarity through the words and views of others. There were times when these debates led to stern and passionate pleas for understanding and clarification http://plummerkeng241.blogspot.com/2011/04/common-sense.html .Also, the texts required for the class was incredibly eclectic, thus providing significant amounts of literary knowledge from various perspectives.
Realizing that Early American history plays such a significant role in how society works and is influence has astonished me. Although, I recognize the political aspects of history, I’ve never associated it so closely to my modern way of life. This class provided many examples of the foundation, frame and structure of America, its people and future. Through, the works of Thomas Paine, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, James Madison and many others, I’ve learned so much of the purpose behind American culture. Also, Early American literature and history has contributed to my ‘understanding’ of what I believe and why. During the course of this class, I’ve reflected and amended some of my beliefs as part of some of my assignments. ‘Thirteen Virtues’ provided me with a blueprint of how to assess myself and what I needed to do to become a better person, through understanding, patience and humility. As significant as that assignment was in my quest, ‘Week 15’s online discussion starters, proved by far to be the major lessons of the course regarding self-assessment and comprehension. I was told to think about and post my spiritual beliefs, read those of my classmates, and then through disagreements, asked to come up with something relating to spiritual faith that everyone could agree on. Wow. That was the most thought provoking situation that I’ve been placed in during this class. And as a result, I can only imagine the depth of what Jefferson had to endure to devise such a concept in a time that was far less tolerant than ours. The counter part to the discussion was the most difficult to figure out and express, defining my faith and practices. I was forced to resolve to some of the likes and practices of all four- Calvinism, Deism, Unitarianism or Anglicanism, thus realizing the apparent contradictions of what I do and do not believe. Never have I had a class that challenged and forced me to assess my entire being. I have had to think about why I believe very personal aspects of my faith, what kind of person I am for believing it and how the choices to continue or cease will affect my life and outlook on life. Although, I’m conflicted on a few issues, I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to look in and see myself.
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, this class has provided me with the necessities to have a better life, academically and personally. As a student, I appreciate the lessons that enabled me to have the understanding necessary to comprehend and value Early American Literature and the major contribution is has provided this society and the world I reside in. As a free-thinking person, it has provided me with essentials to becoming a more wholesome person, who can understand my choices and appreciate learning from and accepting others. I know that I have some work to do to fully acquire everything that this class had to offer, but I am confident that I will attain all that I should. English 241 has proven itself to be as innovative as I thought it would have been, and luckily for me, I was prepared to embrace it. 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 was successfully able to approach all of my assignments from various perspectives to accommodate the requirements and expectations of my professor and the outline of this course.
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