Concluding blog post

I think that this class will always be memorable when I look back on my undergrad years. Romance studies pushed me to read novels that I would've never come across otherwise. As a psychology major, I am always reading textbooks where I have to take notes along the way and be sure that I remember each detail for the next exam... However, this class allowed me to sit back and truly enjoy reading. Although the reading was heavy, it never felt much like a chore - in contrast, it felt much more relaxing. Honestly, I kinda wish there were maybe a few more books assigned or that there could be a part 2 to this class in the summer. 

The grading system used in this class was definitely another bonus. Although the website at first and the whole contract system feels intimidating at the start, it didn't take long to get comfortable with it (but maybe add a quick video to the website at the beginning of the semester going through all the little details). Something about reading to simply get what you can out of the book rather than reading fearfully that small details might appear on an exam brought me comfort. To follow, the flexible blog posts really allowed for creative comments and criticisms which I always enjoyed reading. Moreover, after attending class, I felt like I had a whole new appreciation and perspective on each of the texts. I really enjoyed our discussions in class. 

One of my favourite books we read was ‘Bonjour Tristesse’ for a few reasons. I loved how the story gradually built and we were able to form really solid opinions on the characters. Also, I think it was the novel with a narrator that I could most relate with for reasons such as being a teenager and wanting to rebel against authoritative figures. I think one thing I've learned is that I really appreciate a chronological storyline. Im not sure if it's simplest for me to understand, but I think there is something nice to following characters' story's as they progress and evolve. 

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this class. I've certainly recommended this class to all my friends (especially with the contract system and Jon as the professor). My question to follow is how has your relationship with reading changed throughout the semester? Did you find yourself dreading the reads or looking forward to them? To answer my own question I think I feel way more inclined to read for pleasure and not when it's just for school. Not only that but I feel more interested in choosing books that don't follow my typical favourites, as I've learnt that there are so many fascinating book themes to explore!

Comments

  1. ElizaApril 6, 2022 at 4:09 PM

    Hi Daisy! I completely agree with everything you wrote!! I am also a psych major and appreciated this class for being able to actually enjoy the readings rather than stressing about remembering every detail later. Having no exams also allowed me to appreciate the books more!

    My relationship with reading has definitely changed because of this course. I am going to try to challenge myself more with my reading and expose myself to different literature than what I would usually gravitate towards. To be honest, I found myself dreading reading the majority of books at the beginning of the semester, but after getting halfway through the course I started to enjoy the books more. Towards the end of the semester, I looked forward to reading the books and reflecting on them later in class!

    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete

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