My last word:
What a journey it has been. This year has been a learning experience indeed. For some reason, this semester was a lot harder than last semester. AFAM although tedious, really made my semester. I did not have the opportunity to have any type of AFAM class at my high school- which I’m sure many people did not either. My school did not even recognize February as Black History Month. They were so caught up in selling candy that it seemed as if they tried to avoid the publicity of the month. It’s really upsetting and infuriating to me when I think about it- but hence this class was available to take to make up for it. I STILL TRULY BELIEVE THAT Black Studies is indeed relevant within today’s society and within the African American culture. I think that it should be more relevant actually. Schools should press Black Studies as a pre-requisite to graduate alongside with the European History that most are familiar with. See when you disregard something for so long you become ignorant and immune to it. You start to conform to society and neglect the other history- the relevant history that went on. AFAM was a good class because it smoothed away all of the rough edges and opened the minds and news of not only African Americans but other races as well. We got to experience the good the bad and the ugly associated with Black Studies and relive the defining moments in history that never get old. It’s very relevant, my fellow ancestors overcame a lot and endured too much for us not to discuss it and push it to the side- no they deserve recognition every day. As far as the group project goes- I enjoyed it. I usually work alone and avoid group projects but I really though the group projects taught us in a sense how to collaborate with other people who have different backgrounds, different views and different opinions to interact with one another and collaborate our ideas to come to a conclusion. Groups help you learn what your strengths are, your weaknesses are and they help your interpersonal skills, your ability to work cooperatively with a team, to network to present an argument effectively in front of your peers and to gain confidence in your abilities. One particular thing that I liked about Group projects was the vast differences and diversity within the groups. I really like my group- Individual Sense(Group 9) because everyone was strong in their own way and it helped prepare us for what prospective employers will be looking for- the ability to communicate effectively and the ability to work cooperatively in groups. I feel like I probably would have never gotten to know my peers personally on my own if I was not put in a group with them and they could probably agree with me simply because people tend to stick with their own group of people because of their comfort zone. But I really learned a lot working in groups especially within the last Group project with the yearbook- just listening to my group speak on topics while at meetings or discuss research they found or were laughing over with me just listening and observing I learned more than speaking. In all the groups were significant and effective. Lastly the blogs- ahhh yes the blogs. Honestly- I liked them. They were sometimes given at times that were insignificant for me but I liked them nevertheless. I liked the topics and I like conveying my thoughts on paper rather than verbally anyway. The blogs were significant because they influenced me to stay potent and attentive. It made me check my emails and follow my syllabus and just stay on track and with the blogs it was a fun way to do work instead of the usual bland routine. I like different abstract creative assignments that I can sink my teeth into. They grab my attention more. It gave me chances to put my creativity on the worldwide web and preview and comment on my classmate’s blogs because usually you won’t get a chance to see your peer’s say-so which is always fun. The blogs were a creative innovative strategy that I recommend keeping. All in all I liked AFAM and will definitely put more of an effort to research and tap into my past. Thank you Mrs. Wynn for the experience.
It was pleasure. Thank you for your patience.
ReplyDeleteAs always, it is a joy to read your blog, it is always so well written. Promise to Autograph my copy of your first novel.J Any way, I too enjoyed the blogs and I hate to write, anything, my first name, my last name, etc. Maybe, it is because I am so fond of oral traditions. I wish that there was an assignment, in class, where I got to pick the subject and present it to class. IT was a joy to have you in the group your opinions and additions to the project were immeasurable, have a great summer and good luck on the final.
ReplyDeleteThis was fun to read, you really explained the revalence of black studies and i really agree with you! Everyone should take this class and they can learn about the African American experience. I agree when you say that the topics were interesting. I learned so much in this class that i have never even heard of before. In high school we only briefly touched on topics but this class goes into more detail. I liked that about this class. Blogs were such a great way to express ourselves and tell our opinions. They are a great assignment for class. I liked your blog.
ReplyDeleteJamaine,
ReplyDeleteHey girl! I enjoyed reading your blog. I agree that African American Studies should be a required course to some extent. It is a very educational class and it taught me a lot of things that I didn’t know about my own culture. My school was a lot like yours in the sense we didn’t speak much about black history month either. But I’ve learned so much about it this semester. I also made many new friends and I agree that the groups really brought me out of my normal comfort zone. I also enjoyed blogs and reading what others thought about certain topics in the class. I’m glad I got to meet you. Hope you have a good summer!!
DeShana