Occasionally you might run into a man dressed up as a woman walking down the street, or see a man in a dress, but this is certainly not a normal sight. However, there is no denying that men and women adopt the others genders characteristics to get ahead in certain situations.
In the business world, women who demonstrate assertiveness can sometimes be labeled as a bitch. However, a man who displays similar behavior is called a good businessman. One might question why a woman would attempt to mimic a man’s behavior knowing this. The answer to this question lies in how a woman is treated in the work world without mocking a man’s behavior.
I have had limited experience in the work world but my internship does give me a little bit of insight. Starting at the end of my spring semester sophomore year I was lucky enough to land an internship with a nationally respected company. Going in on the first day I was nervous and intimidated. I figured that working hard and being myself would hopefully be enough to get through the workdays. I smiled a lot, and was helpful to my co-workers.
Looking back I realize that my relationship with my co-workers was not ideal. Yes they enjoyed my company and knew I was a hard worker, but I’m not sure if they had complete faith in my abilities. I was often called “sweetie” and other endearing terms. At the time this didn’t bother me, I actually appreciated it because it made me feel more welcome in the office. I realize now that if I would have been more assertive I might not have been the “little sister” of the office and would be thought of as more of an equal.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Parental Control
As we see in Charlotte Temple’s tale, even those coming from caring parents concerned with their child’s well being, are still in danger of falling victim to betrayal. It almost seems like no one is safe. The question then becomes what can a parent possibly do to protect their children when simply caring about them is obviously not enough.
When considering this question I began to think of the way and myself my parents raised me. The more I think about it the more I realize that my parents never flat out said “no” to me. This wasn’t because they were laid back and this certainly wasn’t because I was an angel growing up. My parents were on a level of parenting others may never reach.
My parents raised me in way to know the right thing to do without having to ask. They never had to prevent me from running away with a rake because I have been taught to not be attracted to these types of men. I would never try to leave the house in an outfit that maybe be considered less than tasteful because my parents taught me to have a more wholesome style.
Now, looking back on all this I feel almost manipulated! How dare they raise me to be a levelheaded woman!
Thinking back to your question on how contemporary parents can save their sons and daughters from a “treacherous heart” I would have to they should do exactly what my parents did. By teaching their sons and daughters morals a parent can relax and know that when faced with tough decisions, their children will know the right one to make.
When considering this question I began to think of the way and myself my parents raised me. The more I think about it the more I realize that my parents never flat out said “no” to me. This wasn’t because they were laid back and this certainly wasn’t because I was an angel growing up. My parents were on a level of parenting others may never reach.
My parents raised me in way to know the right thing to do without having to ask. They never had to prevent me from running away with a rake because I have been taught to not be attracted to these types of men. I would never try to leave the house in an outfit that maybe be considered less than tasteful because my parents taught me to have a more wholesome style.
Now, looking back on all this I feel almost manipulated! How dare they raise me to be a levelheaded woman!
Thinking back to your question on how contemporary parents can save their sons and daughters from a “treacherous heart” I would have to they should do exactly what my parents did. By teaching their sons and daughters morals a parent can relax and know that when faced with tough decisions, their children will know the right one to make.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
THE cause of female depravity
Right before I sat down to write this post I watched the most recent episode of “Gossip Girl”. Every time I see that show I am absolutely disgusted at the behavior of the characters, but for some reason, I continue to tune in every week. There is something about their manipulative and conniving behavior that attracts me. Its difficult to admit but part of me even thinks that living this bitchy lifestyle could be pretty entertaining. (Luckily I have been raised with good enough morals to keep me from doing this)
There is no doubt in my mind that if the author of “The Cause of Female Depravity” was to pick a subject from modern times to write about, “Gossip Girl” would surely be it. I know that what the characters are doing on the show is wrong. They betray trust, lie, hurt people, and are extremely materialistic. However, the show idolizes this type of lifestyle and transforms it into something that seems so glamorous. They make underage drinking and relations with members of the opposite sex look completely normal for highschoolers, when in fact they are not only too immature to handle these things, but it is also illegal.
Therefore, I believe the author would consider this show, which convinces its viewers to see this sort of behavior as anything other than wrong and pathetic, to be the cause of female depravity.
There is no doubt in my mind that if the author of “The Cause of Female Depravity” was to pick a subject from modern times to write about, “Gossip Girl” would surely be it. I know that what the characters are doing on the show is wrong. They betray trust, lie, hurt people, and are extremely materialistic. However, the show idolizes this type of lifestyle and transforms it into something that seems so glamorous. They make underage drinking and relations with members of the opposite sex look completely normal for highschoolers, when in fact they are not only too immature to handle these things, but it is also illegal.
Therefore, I believe the author would consider this show, which convinces its viewers to see this sort of behavior as anything other than wrong and pathetic, to be the cause of female depravity.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Deep Down, We All Know That Sucks...
There is no denying that the recent texts we have been assigned to read for class have been anything short of entertaining. Each story could be transformed into a modern daytime soap opera. Every story is so over-the-top and dramatic it is almost annoying. However, coming from a girl’s perspective, I have a slight suspicion that some of us still have similar feelings towards heartache.
I am not suggesting that women today behave in such extreme ways. We aren’t (for the most part at least) ripping off our clothes and mangling our flesh like Mary-Ann Mooney in “Innocence Betrayed”. Over the years we have learned to keep most of our “crazy” hidden; not only to keep up our own reputations, but to avoid scaring other people. While reading “Innocence Betrayed” on the outside we all laugh at this pathetic girl who is driven to the brink of insanity over some slime-ball guy who charmed his way into sleeping with her. However on the inside, at least for me, I completely sympathize with Mary-Ann. Even today I hear similar stories of these types of men manipulating wholesome girls into doing things that typically go against their morals. The times might have changed, but a sad story is still a sad story.
I am not suggesting that women today behave in such extreme ways. We aren’t (for the most part at least) ripping off our clothes and mangling our flesh like Mary-Ann Mooney in “Innocence Betrayed”. Over the years we have learned to keep most of our “crazy” hidden; not only to keep up our own reputations, but to avoid scaring other people. While reading “Innocence Betrayed” on the outside we all laugh at this pathetic girl who is driven to the brink of insanity over some slime-ball guy who charmed his way into sleeping with her. However on the inside, at least for me, I completely sympathize with Mary-Ann. Even today I hear similar stories of these types of men manipulating wholesome girls into doing things that typically go against their morals. The times might have changed, but a sad story is still a sad story.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Pick me, Choose me, Love me!
The emergence of the romantic novel in print culture at this time is caused by gradual revolt from the traditional patriarchal structure of society. By illustrating what love and romance can be like, readers are beginning to ask why they cannot have those wonderful feelings for themselves. Women are beginning to stand up to society and resist arranged marriages in hopes of finding a true love like they read about in novels.
It is surprising to me that women have any desire to search for love. In almost every single text we have read the female characters falls into a depression if not death after being mistreated by a man who they thought was in love with them. Personally, the texts scare me into wanting arranged marriages again! I admit that allowing my father to choose a husband for me would certainly take a lot of pressure off of me, but is it worth loosing the opportunity to find a soul mate? The truth is heartbreak is not the end of the world, even though it surely feels like it at times. But these texts don’t give the other side of the story. We never see the women learning from her mistakes and finding a new love that was better than the previous man. We see the heartbreak as the absolute end. By showing a more positive side to the end of relationships, perhaps women today would feel more confident in perusing the next.
It is surprising to me that women have any desire to search for love. In almost every single text we have read the female characters falls into a depression if not death after being mistreated by a man who they thought was in love with them. Personally, the texts scare me into wanting arranged marriages again! I admit that allowing my father to choose a husband for me would certainly take a lot of pressure off of me, but is it worth loosing the opportunity to find a soul mate? The truth is heartbreak is not the end of the world, even though it surely feels like it at times. But these texts don’t give the other side of the story. We never see the women learning from her mistakes and finding a new love that was better than the previous man. We see the heartbreak as the absolute end. By showing a more positive side to the end of relationships, perhaps women today would feel more confident in perusing the next.
Monday, October 13, 2008
The Modern Day Rake
When I first began thinking about a modern day “rake” the movie Cruel Intentions came to mind. In the film, the lead male character, Sebastian, makes a game of tricking girls into losing their virginity. Sebastian is a wealthy socialite from the upper eastside who has always had everything he wants: the trendiest clothes, the newest car, and all the girls. The plot of the movie surrounds a bet Sebastian has made with his equally manipulative stepsister, Kathryn. The bet consists of taking the new girl in towns’ virginity before the summer is up. Sebastian does everything he can to persuade her to let go of her virtue, and to a certain extent, succeeds.
Sebastian, the “rake” seemed similar to Florio in “On Seduction”. In both cases, the male character was attracted by the female innocence and set out to conquer her. In the earlier text, Belinda’s “artless simplicity made the conquest easy to this skillful deceiver”. In Cruel Intentions, the innocent female seemed to have a stronger personality and was more certain of her morals, making it difficult for Sebastian to use his wit and manipulative charm to win the bet.
Being a native of Dallas, when thinking of modern day rakes in my life the yuppies in uptown are the first thing I think of. These men are always attempting to impress girls by flaunting their cars, clothes, and cash. It seems pretty pathetic to me. They do everything they can to flatter a girl in hopes that they will get the girl to come home with them at the end of the night. These men seemed similar to the rakes descried in “Melancholy Tale of Seduction”. In this text they are described as not “having the merit of a coward, for he attempts the life of his enemy; nor had you the tenderness of a brave man, for he weeps over the wound he has made.” This description of a self-centered man can certainly relate to not only the men of the past, but men today as well.
Sebastian, the “rake” seemed similar to Florio in “On Seduction”. In both cases, the male character was attracted by the female innocence and set out to conquer her. In the earlier text, Belinda’s “artless simplicity made the conquest easy to this skillful deceiver”. In Cruel Intentions, the innocent female seemed to have a stronger personality and was more certain of her morals, making it difficult for Sebastian to use his wit and manipulative charm to win the bet.
Being a native of Dallas, when thinking of modern day rakes in my life the yuppies in uptown are the first thing I think of. These men are always attempting to impress girls by flaunting their cars, clothes, and cash. It seems pretty pathetic to me. They do everything they can to flatter a girl in hopes that they will get the girl to come home with them at the end of the night. These men seemed similar to the rakes descried in “Melancholy Tale of Seduction”. In this text they are described as not “having the merit of a coward, for he attempts the life of his enemy; nor had you the tenderness of a brave man, for he weeps over the wound he has made.” This description of a self-centered man can certainly relate to not only the men of the past, but men today as well.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Lessons for the Ladies
In recent texts, we have been introduced to the male’s definition of how a woman should act and be educated. It is obvious that men have strong opinions regarding how a woman should behave; unfortunately they obviously do not have the female population’s best interests in mind.
In “An Address to the Ladies” written by Alphonzo, the author attempts to convince the female reader that he is giving her advice, as a friend, when in reality he is suppressing the entire population. Alphonzo states that the kitchen is where women belong while academics belong to men. He goes on to say that men will find it unattractive if a woman tries to invade their “department”.
Throughout the text Alphonzo describes the perfect woman as one who is quite, mild, and sentimental and encourages women to act accordingly. He believes education is unnecessary as long as they can present themselves in a respectable way. Learning arithmetic is completely unnecessary because it will never be useful to them.
After reading these texts I have been inspired to continue working hard and furthering my education. When a person says I can’t do something, it only encourages me to do more!
In “An Address to the Ladies” written by Alphonzo, the author attempts to convince the female reader that he is giving her advice, as a friend, when in reality he is suppressing the entire population. Alphonzo states that the kitchen is where women belong while academics belong to men. He goes on to say that men will find it unattractive if a woman tries to invade their “department”.
Throughout the text Alphonzo describes the perfect woman as one who is quite, mild, and sentimental and encourages women to act accordingly. He believes education is unnecessary as long as they can present themselves in a respectable way. Learning arithmetic is completely unnecessary because it will never be useful to them.
After reading these texts I have been inspired to continue working hard and furthering my education. When a person says I can’t do something, it only encourages me to do more!
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
The Start of Something New?
Over time, the texts we have studied in this class have illustrated the progressive growth of confidence in women over time. In previous texts, women were shown as submissive and obedient. The Panther Narrative shows a woman standing up for herself. She refuses to allow her father to dictate her life to her and reluctantly follow his demands. She knows that she is in love and goes to extremes to get what she wants and achieve it even if that means disobeying her father.
Additionally, when captured by the “Indian of gigantic proportion” she refuses to comply with his demand to follow him to bed. She stands up for herself and devises a plan to kill him and escape. In previous texts the woman would have more than likely done what was asked of her.
Finally, in The Panther Narrative the woman is not seen as the evil, seductive temptress that she has been portrayed as in so many other texts. Here, she shows confidence and displays increasingly more similarities with women today. This obvious revision in the way women are portrayed in print may largely be due to the positive moral the female gender was gaining leading up the beginning of the feminist movement.
Additionally, when captured by the “Indian of gigantic proportion” she refuses to comply with his demand to follow him to bed. She stands up for herself and devises a plan to kill him and escape. In previous texts the woman would have more than likely done what was asked of her.
Finally, in The Panther Narrative the woman is not seen as the evil, seductive temptress that she has been portrayed as in so many other texts. Here, she shows confidence and displays increasingly more similarities with women today. This obvious revision in the way women are portrayed in print may largely be due to the positive moral the female gender was gaining leading up the beginning of the feminist movement.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
How Different Are We?
Women today have more in common with the “fallen” women we read about than I at first thought. The women in the texts are portrayed as criminals for doing things as relatively innocent as dozing off in church and going out at night. If the female population at TCU today were held to the same standards that the ministers in these times held the women to, we would all be hanging from the gallows.
Luckily women today differ from women in the past by being much more outspoken. The feminist movement has taught us that it is okay to voice our opinions and that it is unnecessary to live the submissive life of an obedient housewife. In addition, the feminist movement has also encouraged women to help break down the barrier between men and women not only in the business world, but in their social lives as well. Women desire equality to men and this is seen on any given Thursday, Friday, or Saturday night around campus. Women are more confident when approaching men and with their interactions between them. Surely the ministers would not approve of this blatant flirting.
I also began to wonder what these ministers would have thought of the celebrities and television shows that we idolize today. “Sex and the City” one of the most popular shows on television and a hit at the box office this summer, is all about women living independent, sexual lives in today’s society. The ministers would have been utterly disgusted and would have insisted these women repent their sins. Instead, today we celebrate their independent personalities and desire to have the confidence that they possess.
Obviously we no longer execute women for promiscuous behavior, however harsh consequences are still enforced. On TCU’s campus the most common form of punishment for this behavior is name calling. Women who do things that society decides is inappropriate are labeled “sluts” and “bitches”. The punishment is no longer life ending, however it can lead to a lifetime poor self-image and self-esteem.
Luckily women today differ from women in the past by being much more outspoken. The feminist movement has taught us that it is okay to voice our opinions and that it is unnecessary to live the submissive life of an obedient housewife. In addition, the feminist movement has also encouraged women to help break down the barrier between men and women not only in the business world, but in their social lives as well. Women desire equality to men and this is seen on any given Thursday, Friday, or Saturday night around campus. Women are more confident when approaching men and with their interactions between them. Surely the ministers would not approve of this blatant flirting.
I also began to wonder what these ministers would have thought of the celebrities and television shows that we idolize today. “Sex and the City” one of the most popular shows on television and a hit at the box office this summer, is all about women living independent, sexual lives in today’s society. The ministers would have been utterly disgusted and would have insisted these women repent their sins. Instead, today we celebrate their independent personalities and desire to have the confidence that they possess.
Obviously we no longer execute women for promiscuous behavior, however harsh consequences are still enforced. On TCU’s campus the most common form of punishment for this behavior is name calling. Women who do things that society decides is inappropriate are labeled “sluts” and “bitches”. The punishment is no longer life ending, however it can lead to a lifetime poor self-image and self-esteem.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Wait, Am I a Witch?
Prior to taking this class, when the word “witch” was mentioned an image similar to Kathryn Rountree’s initial reaction popped into my head. I immediately was taken back to my childhood when a witch was just an ugly character the princess had to overcome to live happily-ever-after. After our first few classes my definition began to change. I thought of witches as being misunderstood, unlucky, and in the wrong place at the wrong time. However, after reading Rountree’s, “The New Witch of the West: Feminists Reclaim the Crone” my idea of what defines a witch is forever changed.
Reading the history of feminist witchcraft has taught me that the term “witch” doesn’t necessarily need to be identified with devil worship, “stolen penises, and boiled babies”. (211) Rather it represents a group focused on the inclusion of the goddess, challenging patriarchal control, and valuing independence, knowledge, and feminine power. In fact, a large part of the feminist witch movement wasn’t centered around religion at all; instead it was at times used as a political organization’s tool to attract a crowd. I found it interesting that one of the only reasons the group kept the name “witch” was to hopefully change the negative connotation that typically coincides with the term do to historical texts.
Furthermore, I admit that I have slightly more basic knowledge when it comes to the Goddess. As a child, I grew up associating Goddess’s with Greek mythology: beautiful women wearing white alongside other Greek Gods and Goddesses. However, last year I took a class on King Arthur and did a presentation over “The Mists of Avalon”. Even though this movie is not entirely (if at all) historically accurate, it does give the viewer a glimpse into at least the stereotypical Goddess. I always found it interesting and refreshing that in this type of religion, the woman is supreme rather than the man.
Finally, the portion of the text that I found most engaging was Rountree’s reference to the “three aspects of the Goddess”. The author explains that the first two aspects of the Goddess trinity, the maiden and the mother, are attractive to men and therefore are included in Christianity. The third aspect, the Crone (older woman who speaks her mind) is conveniently left out…as in many other parts of our history.
Reading this text has opened my eyes and taught me that the definition of “witch” is changing. Prior to reading this article I would have never believed that I would say that I agree with certain aspects of “witchcraft”. My opinion has certainly changed.
Reading the history of feminist witchcraft has taught me that the term “witch” doesn’t necessarily need to be identified with devil worship, “stolen penises, and boiled babies”. (211) Rather it represents a group focused on the inclusion of the goddess, challenging patriarchal control, and valuing independence, knowledge, and feminine power. In fact, a large part of the feminist witch movement wasn’t centered around religion at all; instead it was at times used as a political organization’s tool to attract a crowd. I found it interesting that one of the only reasons the group kept the name “witch” was to hopefully change the negative connotation that typically coincides with the term do to historical texts.
Furthermore, I admit that I have slightly more basic knowledge when it comes to the Goddess. As a child, I grew up associating Goddess’s with Greek mythology: beautiful women wearing white alongside other Greek Gods and Goddesses. However, last year I took a class on King Arthur and did a presentation over “The Mists of Avalon”. Even though this movie is not entirely (if at all) historically accurate, it does give the viewer a glimpse into at least the stereotypical Goddess. I always found it interesting and refreshing that in this type of religion, the woman is supreme rather than the man.
Finally, the portion of the text that I found most engaging was Rountree’s reference to the “three aspects of the Goddess”. The author explains that the first two aspects of the Goddess trinity, the maiden and the mother, are attractive to men and therefore are included in Christianity. The third aspect, the Crone (older woman who speaks her mind) is conveniently left out…as in many other parts of our history.
Reading this text has opened my eyes and taught me that the definition of “witch” is changing. Prior to reading this article I would have never believed that I would say that I agree with certain aspects of “witchcraft”. My opinion has certainly changed.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Call me a cynic...
First of all I would like to point out that I personally have had little contact with the supernatural. I have never believed in witches or magic and assumed that most people felt the same way. In my house, Halloween was just like any other day and deep down I knew that even the simple tradition of taking my brother, sister and I out trick-or-treating once a year was more than my parents could handle. As I got older, I was amazed to find out how different my upbringing was from most of my friends. They loved the mystery behind the magic, dressing up in customs on Halloween, and reading scary and superstitious stories. With so much hoopla surrounding the supernatural I thought that perhaps I was just missing the entertaining point behind all of the fuss and decided to give it a chance...by taking this class.
Movies dealing with witchcraft have continuously been blockbusters. (The Harry Potter Phenomenon is just one strong example.) It is obvious that the unexplainable seems to attract a large crowd. For me, logically not understanding witchcraft draws me in and keeps me watching, wanting and waiting for more.
Additionally, in a world with so many pressing issues, the supernatural provides viewers with an escape. The mystery and simple fact that it doesn’t make concrete sense provides the viewer with an outlet away from the usual depressing news and storylines.
I must admit that I occasionally look up my horoscope in the newspaper to read what the stars have to say is in store for my future. However, I never take what is written seriously. In the odd occurrence that the horoscope proves to be correct, I have never thought it to be anything other than a coincidence. Furthermore, I find that when magic tricks are shown on television I am more interested in figuring out the illusion behind the trick than the trick itself. (Yes I said, “trick”, I don’t believe in magic...if you couldn’t tell already.)
Even though I don’t believe in the supernatural, I have many friends who don’t share my position. One of my friends, Becca, is the most superstitious person I know. She won’t even go outside if she sees a black cat through her window! I have always thought these myths were completely stupid and continue to give her a hard time. I just don’t understand how a random occurrence such as that can bring a person bad luck.
My initial thought of a present day witch-hunt is sadly the way that the gay community has been treated. In the past, witches were condemned for being different. I couldn’t think of a better modern day example to compare the witch-hunts to.
Movies dealing with witchcraft have continuously been blockbusters. (The Harry Potter Phenomenon is just one strong example.) It is obvious that the unexplainable seems to attract a large crowd. For me, logically not understanding witchcraft draws me in and keeps me watching, wanting and waiting for more.
Additionally, in a world with so many pressing issues, the supernatural provides viewers with an escape. The mystery and simple fact that it doesn’t make concrete sense provides the viewer with an outlet away from the usual depressing news and storylines.
I must admit that I occasionally look up my horoscope in the newspaper to read what the stars have to say is in store for my future. However, I never take what is written seriously. In the odd occurrence that the horoscope proves to be correct, I have never thought it to be anything other than a coincidence. Furthermore, I find that when magic tricks are shown on television I am more interested in figuring out the illusion behind the trick than the trick itself. (Yes I said, “trick”, I don’t believe in magic...if you couldn’t tell already.)
Even though I don’t believe in the supernatural, I have many friends who don’t share my position. One of my friends, Becca, is the most superstitious person I know. She won’t even go outside if she sees a black cat through her window! I have always thought these myths were completely stupid and continue to give her a hard time. I just don’t understand how a random occurrence such as that can bring a person bad luck.
My initial thought of a present day witch-hunt is sadly the way that the gay community has been treated. In the past, witches were condemned for being different. I couldn’t think of a better modern day example to compare the witch-hunts to.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
About me...
Dear reader,
Hello! My name is Meredith A. and I’m a junior studying Political Science and English at Texas Christian University. I am originally from Dallas, Texas so the quick fifty-minute drive over to Fort Worth initially turned me away from applying. However, I decided that living close to home would have its benefits and decided that the school was a perfect fit for me.
If I were made chancellor of TCU the first thing I would change would be the construction on campus. The new dorms and University Union are beautiful but the small campus I once loved has seemed to double in size. If construction has to be done I would suggest that they remodel the library. During finals the library is so crowded students are forced to sit on the floor. As chancellor, I would provide students with more places to study.
In my opinion, what makes a good professor is their ability to relate to students. At TCU, my favorite teachers have been those who I feel are genuinely interested in their students and furthering their education. A teacher who “tries to fail” students just doesn’t make sense. A good student, to me, is a student who actively participates in classroom discussions and has a good attitude.
If I could have dinner with any three people living or dead I would invite, Jesus Christ to ask questions about my faith, my great great great great great grandfather to ask him what his original goals were when he immigrated to the United States and if he felt like my family has lived up to his expectations, and Prince Harry so we could meet, fall in love, and live happily ever after.
Three things you should know about me are that I am a very hard worker, I am my own toughest critic, and I am extremely excited to see what this semester has in store for me. I would like to know why you chose to teach at TCU, what made you become an English professor, and if you could teach at any school (other than TCU) where it would be.
I chose to take this course after reading the course description on my.tcu.edu. When I was younger, my family took a trip to Salem, Massachusetts to learn about the witch trials. Ever since then, I have been intrigued by that part in our nations history and eager to learn more.
This summer while I was in the bookstore I noticed a stand filled with what Barnes & Nobel considers the classics. I decided then to read as many of those books as possible. I truly love reading and do it often in my spare time. I am currently reading Great Expectations and have quickly fallen in love with Charles Dickens writing. Other than papers for class, my writing primarily consists of emails back and forth to friends and family. I think that I am a fairly decent writer but tend to be very critical of my own work. Writing a blog will be difficult because it is hard for me to let other people read my work.
At first glance, the bright colors and fonts in my blog might prevent people from taking my arguments seriously. However, if they take a chance to read the material, I think they will find that I make valid points.
I have read, understand, and agree to the terms of the course syllabus which we see as a contract for our course.
-Meredith A.
Hello! My name is Meredith A. and I’m a junior studying Political Science and English at Texas Christian University. I am originally from Dallas, Texas so the quick fifty-minute drive over to Fort Worth initially turned me away from applying. However, I decided that living close to home would have its benefits and decided that the school was a perfect fit for me.
If I were made chancellor of TCU the first thing I would change would be the construction on campus. The new dorms and University Union are beautiful but the small campus I once loved has seemed to double in size. If construction has to be done I would suggest that they remodel the library. During finals the library is so crowded students are forced to sit on the floor. As chancellor, I would provide students with more places to study.
In my opinion, what makes a good professor is their ability to relate to students. At TCU, my favorite teachers have been those who I feel are genuinely interested in their students and furthering their education. A teacher who “tries to fail” students just doesn’t make sense. A good student, to me, is a student who actively participates in classroom discussions and has a good attitude.
If I could have dinner with any three people living or dead I would invite, Jesus Christ to ask questions about my faith, my great great great great great grandfather to ask him what his original goals were when he immigrated to the United States and if he felt like my family has lived up to his expectations, and Prince Harry so we could meet, fall in love, and live happily ever after.
Three things you should know about me are that I am a very hard worker, I am my own toughest critic, and I am extremely excited to see what this semester has in store for me. I would like to know why you chose to teach at TCU, what made you become an English professor, and if you could teach at any school (other than TCU) where it would be.
I chose to take this course after reading the course description on my.tcu.edu. When I was younger, my family took a trip to Salem, Massachusetts to learn about the witch trials. Ever since then, I have been intrigued by that part in our nations history and eager to learn more.
This summer while I was in the bookstore I noticed a stand filled with what Barnes & Nobel considers the classics. I decided then to read as many of those books as possible. I truly love reading and do it often in my spare time. I am currently reading Great Expectations and have quickly fallen in love with Charles Dickens writing. Other than papers for class, my writing primarily consists of emails back and forth to friends and family. I think that I am a fairly decent writer but tend to be very critical of my own work. Writing a blog will be difficult because it is hard for me to let other people read my work.
At first glance, the bright colors and fonts in my blog might prevent people from taking my arguments seriously. However, if they take a chance to read the material, I think they will find that I make valid points.
I have read, understand, and agree to the terms of the course syllabus which we see as a contract for our course.
-Meredith A.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)