For instance, the English class is themed around the supernatural, which is one of my favorite genres of novels and films. Also the class is taught on a microcomputer, the main form of writing in this class is blogging; which allowed me to go in depth with my writing, because I had the World Wide Web at my fingertips, and besides blogging made the class fun. In addition, blogging brings us into the future of learning and most important it helps us save the planet by not handing in hard copies of essays and buying a bulky textbook. But it was not all fun and games, it was just well disguised.
The many assigned essays was to identify various themes on archetypes, tones, symbolism, literacy theory and monomyth; I, analyzed literary works ranging from narrative poems such as, “Goblin Market” to lyric poems such as, “Orchard Pit” Also I analyzed lyrics from the song “The Stairway to Heaven” we even watched the film “Spirited Away”. Furthermore, for my final research project I learned how to use Xtranormal text-to-movie program. I created a short film based on the “The Tale-Tell Heart”. Also, I took a heroic myth self-test, my results was the archetype altruist, which I had the opportunity to further research and to post numerous blogs entries on my findings.
In addition, Professor Smith’s lovely wife, Dr. Ximena Gallardo C. graced us for a guest lecture on the one thing that I dreaded the most and something I had no desire to read, Shakespeare. However, her enthusiasm for Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” rubbed off on me and I learned that I enjoyed reading the classic literature. Like the old saying goes, “Ignorance is Bliss”, but willful ignorance is just plain dumb. So, the one thing I was trying to avoid is the one thing I enjoyed most. I might even take an English (ENG266) course which examines Shakespeare’s writings.
Secondly, before this class I never heard of Joseph Campbell or “The Power of the Myth" and “The Hero’s Journey”. Campbell’s theories are that we have a“Hero’s Quest” in our life that we have to complete. Also, he claims that most “heroes” do not know the purpose of their journey, so, they go through life searching for clues of their fate and the “Call to Adventure”. The monomyth makes perfect sense when applied to our life, many books and films. For example, just the other day I watched a Disney movie and I found myself listing all the elements of the hero journey. I will never watch a film or read a book without thinking about the Monomyth.
Third, I learned many new things in this English class. For instance, the final project from Joseph Moneymaker was interesting because it included a look in different cultures and customs from around the world. Joseph did a good job explaining about the roots of the rebellious movement called Capoeira. I find out that the dance originated in Brazil as entertainment then evolved into a form of self-defense against the slave masters. Also, Capoeira is seen as a multicultural dance that was adapted by many tribes in Africa. Besides, I was most impressed by his presentation, because he showed his passion for the martial arts dance of Capoeira by doing some somersaults in such a small area.
Lastly, all things must come to an end, everyone loves the end of the semester and I'm certainly no exception. However, this is one of the few classes I actually enjoyed and didn't mind doing the many assignments. It might have been because I was blogging all my essays and it did not seem like a chore. Or maybe was it the supernatural theme? Or maybe was it the Professor?
As a final point, I think that teaching is a noble calling, and is something that has lasting value beyond one semester. Thank you, Professor. C. Jason Smith. I enjoyed your class; and also I had the benefit of learning many new things that I will take on my very own “Hero’s Journey”.
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