~Final Portfolio Cover Essay~

Kendall Plummer

May 2011

Dr. Brandon

American Lit. 241

Learning Outcomes

            This past semester, in the 200 level literature course, we have developed many skills in critical literacy such as, reading, thinking, writing, and communicating with evidence. We were given the opportunity to work with others in developing these skills. These well developed skills will allow us to further our education as we dig deeper into more literature and course work.

            We were often given ways to demonstrate our ability to read, write, and think critically. As we read our assigned literature, we were typically asked to write something similar to it. This allows us to really focus on the piece as we read it. I usually am able to imagine, or picture, the story in my mind as I read along. If I am able to picture something, it helps me stay “entertained” or interested in what is going on. I often find myself thinking about what will happen next. I typically like to think I know what is coming, but it usually doesn’t happen in that way. As I read the literature I noticed that I am also able to compare it to ‘real life’ situations. For example, in de Crevecoeur’s “What is An American?” , I was able to read his piece and think that this really is how an American today is, or this is how they should be. An American should fit in with any race, because in America we have many different races living amongst one another. As I mention being able to compare the writing to life, it brings me to the next skill of understanding the text.

            As we developed the ability to analyze the text, it allowed us to be able to truly grasp the meaning, or point, of the piece. In Thoreau’s “Where I Lived, and What I Lived For”, we know that he does not necessarily mean for us to go live in the secluded woods and enjoy nature. He simply attempts to share with us how little it takes to live life to the fullest. He is expressing that we don’t need the material things to make us happy; we just need to be at peace with ourselves. Walt Whitman’s, “I Hear America Singing”, allows the reader to get a sense of how individuals in America all feel things differently. We each have a story that can only be told by us. All of us have something that makes us the person we are. It may be a past event in our lives, a special person, a goal, a relationship, a job, etc. Every one of us is different and there are no two people who are the same. This poem by Whitman shows this by describing the different kinds of people: the mechanics, the boatman, the woodcutter, the mother, or the young wife. Then he states, “Each singing what belongs to him or her and to no one else”. We each have a “song we sing” that defines who we are as an American.

            As we read different texts we moved into different literary movements which continued to help enhance our skills. Romantic and Gothic literature are some of the main movements we’ve covered. Romanticism is all about being in touch with nature and life. It helps others feel deeply. As mentioned earlier, Thoreau does a great job at showing his readers how to do this. Romantic literature almost teaches its readers to get to know your best self, how to be fully awake in life, and to truly be able to realize the beauty that is all around us. It gets us in touch with the sublime, which are our true emotions. Romanticism gives the reader an opportunity to feel things deeper than others. Gothic literature is also tied in with the Romantics. Gothic literature can consist of ghost stories, thrillers, and horrors, to name a few. Poe’s work is an excellent example of Gothic literature. In Poe’s “Tell-Tale Heart”, he uses death and madness to express his over-whelming emotions. As he writes of gruesomely killing a man because he looked at him with his one eye, he also tells how he eventually cracks from an over powering feeling, which leads him to confess the murder. Poe’s writings allowed us to feel deeply in a way that some don’t usually tend to feel. Luckily, literature allows the reader to embrace different kinds of emotions that help them grow as a student, and as an individual.

            Throughout the course, as we read different texts, we learned how it relates to history or a culture. The relationship between literature and history is crucial to understanding the text. As we read literature about slavery, we noticed how different authors seemed to have a different view on this issue. Jacobs, from the Romantic period, wrote more with emotions and heart. He had been a slave, so he knew exactly how it was and the pain and struggles they went through. His writing allowed us to be able to ‘feel’ just what he was thinking. De Creveceour on the other hand was from the Enlightenment period. His focus was trying to get us to reason about slavery, especially considering he was a farmer. His writings allow the reader to think about the issues. How should we deal with it? What can we do to fix this issue? What could they have done then to stop it?

            We often study literature to learn more about history. Who did what? And where or why did they do it? The “Battle Hymn of the Republic” has so much history behind it. The words are by Julia Ward Howe. We learned that she and some of her acquaintances were on the way home from a review of the troops. They sang a song to pass time. The soldiers heard them and loved it. Someone suggested to her that she write a poem to the tune of the song they were singing. She fell asleep that night and woke up with lines of a poem going through her mind; she had to write them down immediately. She fell back asleep thinking it was great. This poem has turned into a nationally popular song to glorify our nation. It is performed at many events. Veteran’s Day and Fourth of July are two popular dates where one can hear this tune. In our culture it resembles pride and Christ in our nation. As one can see history is a major factor in understanding literature.

            Another skill we were given the opportunity to develop was the use of electronic technologies for drafts, editing, or reviewing texts. We were able to listen to mp3s of different texts, as well as view e-texts of the literature. Each person in our class created a blog in which we submitted our work and read our peers material. This was a creative way in which we shared our thoughts and ideas with the class. I have enjoyed reading everyone’s different opinions and views on the texts we have read. We were able to comment to one another’s blog or post to ours regarding someone else’s blog. This was beneficial because it allowed us to know how we can improve on our writing. It also is reassuring if you know someone agrees with your ideas or at least enjoys reading what you have to say.

            More recently we were able to develop and demonstrate our skills in academic argumentation. We were often lectured on a topic that went along with the readings for the week and then we were given the opportunity to state our opinions or ask questions. More than often it turned into some kind of disagreement within the class. Typically it wasn’t resolved; however, we have learned that most arguments aren’t when discussing such ‘close to the heart’ topics. I noticed that on some occasions I actually don’t have anything to say which is weird to me because having something to say is usually not a problem for me. I would have to say that this has been my weakest area of the class. I often think of things that would be good to add in but I know they won’t be accepted by most or sometimes, I just can’t think of one thing to say, which leads me to my next topic of earning my grade.

            Throughout this semester I feel as I have put forth a lot of effort to stay caught up on my work, be on time to class, pay attention during the class discussions, practice my thinking critically and writing abilities by getting engaged with the assignments, and by reading my peers blog posts. I think overall for the class I have earned an “A”. I would give myself a “B” or “C” in the academic argumentation area, not because I was not engaged, but strictly because I usually didn’t say much unless spoken to. However, overall I think an “A” would show the effort and time I have put into my writing and thinking this semester.

            I know that I have come out of this class with a better understanding and appreciation for Early American literature. I value all our country has worked for and I take to heart the pain and struggles people have felt to get us here. American Literature 241 was benefitted me well this semester. I have gained skills that will help me in my later education. I have also gained more information to help me with my already known skills. I am glad my schedule allowed me to take this course.

Final Portfolio Cover (Revision)

During the semester, in this 200 level literature course, we have been developing many skills in critical literacy such as, reading, thinking, writing, and communicating with evidence. We have been given the opportunity to work with others in developing these skills. These well developed skills will allow us to further our education as we dig deeper into more literature and course work.

            We are often given ways to demonstrate our ability to read, write, and think critically. As we read our assigned literature, we’re typically asked to write something similar to it. This allows us to really focus on the piece as we read it. I usually am able to imagine, or picture, the story in my mind as I read along. If I am able to picture something, it helps me stay “entertained” or interested in what is going on. I often find myself thinking about what will happen next. I typically like to think I know what is coming, but it usually doesn’t happen in that way. As I read the literature I have noticed that I am also able to compare it to ‘real life’ situations. For example, in de Crevecoeur’s “What is An American?” , I am able to read his piece and think that this really is how an American today is, or this is how they should be. An American should fit in with any race, because in America we have many different races living amongst one another. As I mention being able to compare the writing to life, it brings me to the next skill of understanding the text.

            As we develop the ability to analyze the text, it allows us to be able to truly grasp the meaning, or point, of the piece. In Thoreau’s “Where I Lived, and What I Lived For”, we know that he does not necessarily mean for us to go live in the secluded woods and enjoy nature. He simply attempts to share with us how little it takes to live life to the fullest. He is expressing that we don’t need the material things to make us happy; we just need to be at peace with ourselves. Walt Whitman’s, “I Hear America Singing”, allows the reader to get a sense of how individuals in America all feel things differently. We each have a story that can only be told by us. All of us have something that makes us the person we are. It may be a past event in our lives, a special person, a goal, a relationship, a job, etc. Every one of us is different and there are no two people who are the same. This poem by Whitman shows this by describing the different kinds of people: the mechanics, the boatman, the woodcutter, the mother, or the young wife. Then he states, “Each singing what belongs to him or her and to no one else”. We each have a “song we sing” that defines who we are as an American.

            As we read different texts we move into different literary movements which continue to help enhance our skills. Romantic and Gothic literature are some of the main movements we’ve covered. Romanticism is all about being in touch with nature and life. It helps others feel deeply. As mentioned earlier, Thoreau does a great job at showing his readers how to do this. Romantic literature almost teaches its readers to get to know your best self, how to be fully awake in life, and to truly be able to realize the beauty that is all around us. It gets us in touch with the sublime, which are our true emotions. Romanticism gives the reader an opportunity to feel things deeper than others. Gothic literature is also tied in with the Romantics. Gothic literature can consist of ghost stories, thrillers, and horrors, to name a few. Poe’s work is an excellent example of Gothic literature. In Poe’s “Tell-Tale Heart”, he uses death and madness to express his over-whelming emotions. As he writes of gruesomely killing a man because he looked at him with his one eye, he also tells how he eventually cracks from an over powering feeling, which leads him to confess the murder. Poe’s writings allow us to feel deeply in a way that some don’t usually tend to feel. Luckily, literature allows the reader to embrace different kinds of emotions that help them grow as a student, and as an individual.

            Throughout the course, as we read different texts, we learn how it relates to history or a culture. The relationship between literature and history is crucial to understanding the text. As we read literature about slavery, we noticed how different authors seemed to have a different view on this issue. Jacobs, from the Romantic period, wrote more with emotions and heart. He had been a slave, so he knew exactly how it was and the pain and struggles they went through. His writing allowed us to be able to ‘feel’ just what he was thinking. De Creveceour on the other hand was from the Enlightenment period. His focus was trying to get us to reason about slavery, especially considering he was a farmer. His writings allow the reader to think about the issues. How should we deal with it? What can we do to fix this issue? What could they have done then to stop it?

            We often study literature to learn more about history. Who did what? And where or why did they do it? The “Battle Hymn of the Republic” has so much history behind it. The words are by Julia Ward Howe. We learned that she and some of her acquaintances were on the way home from a review of the troops. They sang a song to pass time. The soldiers heard them and loved it. Someone suggested to her that she write a poem to the tune of the song they were singing. She fell asleep that night and woke up with lines of a poem going through her mind; she had to write them down immediately. She fell back asleep thinking it was great. This poem has turned into a nationally popular song to glorify our nation. It is performed at many events. Veteran’s Day and Fourth of July are two popular dates where one can hear this tune. In our culture it resembles pride and Christ in our nation. As one can see history is a major factor in understanding literature.

            Another skill we have been given the opportunity to develop is the use of electronic technologies for drafts, editing, or reviewing texts. We have been able to listen to mp3s of different texts, as well as view e-texts of the literature. Each person in our class has created a blog in which we submit our work and read our peers material. This has been a creative way in which we share our thoughts and ideas with the class. I have enjoyed reading everyone’s different opinions and views on the texts we have read. We are able to comment to one another’s blog or post to ours regarding someone else’s blog. This is beneficial because it allows us to know how we can improve on our writing. It also is reassuring if you know someone agrees with your ideas or at least enjoys reading what you have to say.

            More recently we have been able to develop and demonstrate our skills in academic argumentation. We are often lectured on a topic that goes along with the readings for the week and then we are given the opportunity to state our opinions or ask questions. More than often this turns into some kind of disagreement within the class. Typically it isn’t resolved; however, we have learned that most arguments aren’t when discussing such ‘close to the heart’ topics. I have noticed that on some occasions I actually don’t have anything to say which is weird to me because having something to say is usually not a problem for me. I would have to say that this has been my weakest area of the class. I often think of things that would be good to add in but I know they won’t be accepted by most or sometimes, I just can’t think of one thing to say, which leads me to my next topic of earning my grade.

            Throughout this semester I feel as I have put forth a lot of effort to stay caught up on my work, be on time to class, pay attention during the class discussions, practice my thinking critically and writing abilities by getting engaged with the assignments, and by reading my peers blog posts. I think overall for the class I have earned an “A”. I would give myself a “B” or “C” in the academic argumentation area, not because I was not engaged, but strictly because I usually didn’t say much unless spoken to. However, overall I think an “A” would show the effort and time I have put into my writing and thinking this semester.

            American Literature 241 was benefitted me well this semester. I have gained skills that will help me in my later education. I have also gained more information to help me with my already known skills. I look forward to what else there is to learn this semester.

Learning Relfection~ Week 15

A. I felt most engaged when writing my Profession of Faith. I also felt engaged when reading the discussion forum about everyone's thought to be same beliefs. It is interesting to see what others think, since it's difficult in class to hear everyone's opinions.

B. I usually feel most distant during class. Some people seem to know a lot of information about topics that I don't know a lot about.

C. N/A

D. I appreciated Alexa's post about her virtue of Forgiveness. It seems as she is really working at this and that there is a personal reason to her as to why she wants to improve this matter.

E. I wasn't confused this week about any of the readings.

F. Honestly, I was somewhat surprised this week during class when there weren't any huge arguments about religion. I think it's just because people don't feel comfortable discussing the topic because it may seem as some people won't listen.

Profession of Faith

As a Christ follower, I believe there is a loving God whom also punishes, but He has a plan for each of our lives and each decision we make He will use to get us where He wants us. I believe that Jesus died on the cross for my sins. I believe that His father in Heaven is also my father in Heaven who watches over me every day. My God is my comforter, protector, strength, life planner, my hope, my joy, my everything. He has given me my family, my friends, my life, in which all of these things make up who I am and who I will become.
I have doubted God and what He has planned for me and I have questioned why things have happened. But during this I felt no better about the situation. When I am weakest is when I feel the strongest because I seek Him for guidance of what is right. He uses those close to me to tell me what I need to hear. When I am weak, I learn the most and appreciate more the smaller things in life.
I do not understand some things and some things I just do not know. Like how can an all-loving God detest a man loving a man or a women loving a women? Or why does a sin as great as the rape or murder of someone mean the same to Him as us feeling jealous of what someone has? Things like this, I question, but it doesn't change the faith I put into God. If I knew everything and the reason of everything what else would there be to look forward to and learn from life?
The people God has blessed me with in my life are the ones who mold me. The spiritual conversations over dinner, runs, or coffee are the conversations that can be life altering or changing. The relationships built around God are life lasting friendships. These people are the ones that will always be there for you, always offer the best advice, always pray for you, and always be there to support you in your walk with Christ. God speak through these people on Earth to guide and support  us as He would. Sometimes when I've not been in prayer with God or not been living the way I should, a close friend will say something (with or without knowing my thoughts) that will remind me that God has a will for each of us and anything we go through, God has it planned. If He brings us to it, He'll bring us through it.
You hear people say, "Oh yeah, I'm a Christian. I go to church every Sunday." My old youth leader used to tell us, "If going to church makes you a Christian, does going to the garage make you a car?" It's what is in your heart that makes you a Christ follower, what you believe, how you continue to build your relationship with God, how you worship Him in your daily life, and how or what you choose to live for.

"Common Sense"

One problem I notice often is the amount of people that are given financial aid from the government. I know, you're thinking, "Gosh. What a terrible person." But No. You are probably just like me. You either go to school and work or you work a full time job, maybe more than one. Does it frustrate you to see people in the grocery lines in front of you with food stamps and government aid, yet they have Gucci and Prada bags? Or if you're overhearing a conversation at school from people around you receiving financial aid but they also have the Louis Vuitton (I had to look up how to spell it) bags or are going on nice vacations? How is this possible?
I understand life is always going to be unfair, and of course that doesn't make me happy, but that's life. I also get that this won't be eliminated and people are going to lie, or do whatever they need to to get what they want, but really? This is about the majority of America.
One solution that would eliminate a lot of the aid being given would be to require drug tests for anyone receiving aid. Yes, that means financial aid for school, food stamps, anything that is an aid to the individual. Too many people are being supported by those of us who work and earn things on our own. Many of the people, and I've seen it myself, are generally high, or under the influence of some sort of chemical/substance. How is this okay, when people who work can NOT be under the influence on the job?!
I get that many individuals really do need this certain aid, but so do others who aren't receiving any and are working multiple jobs, plus going to school.
Sometimes I think if I had four children, didn't work, was dishonest, and spent my life seeing stars, that maybe things would come easier...

Response to Madison Posts

Sam mentioned the idea of dissolving the 2 party system. I would agree with him. I think that this would be beneficial for our government and people in the long run. If we could bring every one's ideas and beliefs together in some way, there would be more peace within our nation. There would be less money spent on campaigning, people would possibly get along better because they would be working on coming to an agreement instead of arguing over whose party is the "right" one. This proposal would be difficult to set in stone but I think once we had it, it would greatly benefit us and bring us back to "One Nation".

Kevin's idea of switching from retribution to rehabilitation for inmates sounds great! As a career I want to work with people in bettering themselves and how they feel. I think that the main way someone can change their behavior and reactions is to seek guidance with that process. Most people won't, or are afraid to admit that they need help. People may think that once someone is being "locked up" that it is too late. I disagree. This is the perfect time for someone to be able to receive the help/couseling./therapy they need. Just because someone is put away for however many years, that will not teach them the way they should be in public. If anything, when they are released back into society, they will be overwhelmed, causing them to act out immediately. As he mentioned, this idea would also make available many more jobs in each state, which is another topic many people are concerned about. I hope to earn my PhD in Couseling Psychology and I would definitely condsider being a counselor for the inmates. Great idea!

Virtues Update~Week 13

This past week I focused on Peacefulness, and being content with life's happenings. Through the help of a friend and through prayer, I do feel at peace with life's needed decisions. With feeling more at peace, it allows for less feelings of anxiousness which allows me to focus and see things more clear and not so foggy.

This week I plan to focus on Courage. We all are sometimes faced with things in life that we never thought would happen or we just didn't want it to. I will go through this week and I will be brave about anything I am faced with. I will try something new. I was recently accepted into a school that is 5 1/2 hours from where I have grown up. I am not afraid of the distance, but I am worried in general.However, with this courage I will be able to go visit this weekend with an open mind and embrace the new adventure and opportunity.