(lol)
Not a lot has changed in the last month. I mean this in an entirely good way. It’s amazing how fast that this term has gone by, but time flies when you’re having fun, right? I’ve been having so much fun, that fun doesn't even know how much fun I've been having. Sarcasm off. It’s been pretty good though; I have no complaints.
My expectations going into this course were pretty low, as with most classes at first, but at the same time wasn’t really sure what to expect. The thought of taking a class on local literature was definitely appealing, more so than a course on narrative theory or something, which I find stale and dreadfully boring (sorry if you enjoyed that class). It definitely occurred to me that this could be worthwhile and very enjoyable at the same time, and so far it has been just that.
It’s nice when you can stroll into class with just a book or two and your head on your shoulders, not having to worry about imminent failure, or that your life is constantly on the line with impending exams, lab assignments and term papers. When you subtract all of these things, ultimately, you have a less stressful student. Students with reduced stress learn better, and it’s more fun to do so (in my honest opinion). Needless to say, that doesn’t mean that this course isn’t challenging, it simply means that it’s a more laid back, down-to-earth environment that challenges you in ways to expand your horizons rather than get to the core of your intellect.
Hopefully this doesn’t sound like a course review so far. We’re not even done yet!
It sounds bad, but once again, I honestly haven’t learned that much, but for good reason. I find that learning consists of remembering formulas, cramming endless information into your brain, writing highly technical papers, and you know how the rest goes. You’re presented here with material from local people who are, or were once, just like you and I; trying to better understand ourselves and our surroundings as we grow and mature. We gain a greater understanding and appreciation for the city we live in (unless at this point you still absolutely cannot find a reason to love this place, which is possible). After hearing about the recent and horrific events that have just occurred in Japan, I am once again reminded just how fortunate I am to be living here. I’d rather trek through mounds of snow in -40°C with snow shoes on to get around than throw on a bathing suit and swim through streets that were flooded by a tsunami. Who would disagree? This course certainly contributes to that appreciation.
Cheers,
Patrick
Patrick
"Students with reduced stress learn better" - This is SO true! I had heard this before so many times but never really believed it because I had never taken a class like this before. I have to agree with you completely that I am able to learn much better without worrying about exams and papers. At first I too thought this class would be less than challenging due to the lack of a stressful work load, but I have learned more so far than I have in many of my classes. I may differ from you in that I have learned alot this term so far, lol (mostly since I was totally ignorant to anything Edmonton had to offer) but I think you sum up why this class has maintained the student's interest. You explain it perfectly.
ReplyDeletefirst of all, LOL at the "Learning is Fun" picture.
ReplyDeletesecondly, i like how you stated that this class was "more laid back, down-to-earth environment that challenges you in ways to expand your horizons..." I agree that the atmosphere in this class is a lot different from most and I like how the class encourages you to "expand your horizons."
however, I think that by forcing us to view Edmonton differently actually does "get to the core of your intellect" because it makes you examine and analyze at how you see the city. it encourages you to question your interpretions of your surroundings and if that way of thinking, in turn, affects how you interpret other pieces of information.
I'm not so sure this class has been void of stress for myself.
ReplyDeleteFor me the style of learning and testing is what has made this class enjoyable. Instead of the traditional (and lazy I might add) paper + paper + exam, English 380 has challenged us students in a variety of facets.
I do find some of the readings challenging and often stress over the theoretical meaning or deeper readings within the texts.
These theories can be mapped over Edmonton in order to develop a different understanding of what and how Edmonton is and also how we interact with the city.
I am really trying to work at and learn to apply theories but this, for me, is not always so easy!