Looking Back and Reflecting

Last year in HUMN 2001, I had difficulties with comprehending the material and integrating the concepts into the interdisciplinary essays. It was difficult to become accustomed to the formatting and figuring out how to write satisfactory essays. Unlike essays in AP Language, AP Literature, or expository writing classes in college, one’s knowledge of cultures and the ability to integrate concepts is necessary for these interdisciplinary essays. In HUMN 2001, I struggled but this year, I feel like I understand what the expectations are and I have had some practice from last year. I have been striving to improve my essay writing skills and to keep up with reading assignments better so that I will be prepared for the interdisciplinary essays. Instead of rushing through the essay planning process, I have started preparing for the essays sooner and putting more thought into them. Throughout the course of the semester, I feel like I am getting a better grasp of what constitutes a well-written, well-structured, and comprehensive essay. This course has deepened my appreciation and interest for cultures, and art in particular. I feel more cultured and aware of literature, art, and music references that I come across. World Humanities has expanded my knowledge and cognitive ability to make connections between cultures. Relating to Bloom’s taxonomy, I am more able to apply what I have learned by analyzing because in other courses in the past, there is an emphasis on memorization. I rarely feel like I am truly internalizing what I have learned because there is no application. I can still remember some of the concepts and horizons from HUMN 2001 because of the processes of reviewing, reflecting, analyzing, applying, making comparisons, and using a higher level of thinking to construct interdisciplinary essays.

I think that having a foundation and knowing the expectations for the essays from HUMN 2001 has helped me in this semester. It usually takes me a while to grow accustomed to new formats and teaching styles so having that consistency helped me focus on improving my skills. The style of teaching has been systematic and thorough, so I would tell students who are going to be in Dr. Armstrong’s HUMN 2002 class to be prepared to put in time and effort. It is not just being able to comprehend the material, but being able to apply it. Dr. Armstrong is very diligent and methodical, and he has taught us how to develop a higher level of thinking. Because he puts in the time and effort to make sure that his students are getting the most out of the course, he has been one of my favorite professors. His genuine concern for his students’ comprehension of the material is not something that one can come across in every course in college. As for the transition from the first portion of World Humanities to the second portion, there have been several aspects that have improved. The essay formatting and guidelines in HUMN 2001 were complicated and caused some misunderstandings but the progression that was made this year has made it much clearer. Being able to see examples of good essays and being taught how to prepare for the interdisciplinary exams has been very helpful. All in all, I have enjoyed being in HUMN 2001 and HUMN 2002, and they have been incomparable courses. The unique integration of literature, art, and music has expanded my knowledge and have made me realize how past eras and various cultures have influenced the present-day world.

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