Learning Reflection - Week 12

1.        At what moment did you feel most engaged with your learning for the week? Be specific. Was it while reading, writing for the online discussion forum, while thinking about the class, or while talking to others about it? Why was this the moment when you felt most engaged?

The moment when I felt most engaged was while writing for the online discussion forum. This was the moment when I felt most engaged for this week due to the interaction with my fellow classmates. I enjoyed taking part in DB Post: Improving the Constitution. Everyone had many great ideas, and it’s always nice to read what someone else thinks and get the discussion going.

2. The Enlightenment helped introduce the “how-to-genre” and the idea that individuals can make their own lives better through reason, rational discussion, and virtue. What are you learning about the Enlightenment, ideas of self-improvement, and yourself as you work on your virtues.

I am learning many things about the Enlightenment, self-improvement, and myself as I have been working on my virtues. I have learned that you have to be happy before you can make someone else happy. Actually, I already knew that, but the Enlightenment really shows the truth in that statement even before. For a better example: If you want to improve others, then you yourself have to better and improved.

3. As you have participated in literary discussion and rational, democratic debate, what have you learned about both either this or last week?

I have learned several things from literary discussion and democratic debate. I was not aware before reading that women were not only allowed, but also invited to debates. This was shocking to me due to the standard gender role of women in the 1800s.

4. What action did the professors or another student take that you found most helpful or affirming?

As always, the professor has been very helpful over the past several weeks. Any questions that I have are promptly answered, and he promotes encouragement in different ways as well.  

5. What action did anyone take that you found most puzzling or confusing? Why? How did you overcome your confusion?

I did not encounter any action(s) that were puzzling or confusing to me lately. I have actually been rather pleased with myself and how well I am understanding and grasping the material.

6. What about the reading and discussion has surprised you?

As I have said once before, I thought that the reading and discussion would be boring at times but it has turned out to be the exact opposite. I have thoroughly enjoyed each aspect of this class, and look forward to learning more about American Literature.