In a way, this English course diverges from previous English classes taken in my high school simply because the bulk of the course is not based on historically famous literature. Instead, by referencing the weekly schedule, I noticed that this class will mostly focus on contemporary media specifically centered around social injustices. Thus, I commend this class for providing a platform for literature surrounding racial injustices because, in today’s climate, racial inequality should certainly be the biggest discussion we have. Especially as an Asian American, I am thrilled to see representation in the coursework simply because I feel that we are a race that is severely underrepresented in the media. By indulging ourselves in these texts that are filled with a call for activism, we not only reinvent ourselves as a writer but we also learn to articulate our allyship into writing.
As this course progresses, however, I do see myself approaching a few obstacles. Since quarantine, I have not been prompted to write anything—with the exception of a few writing assignments—so I am afraid that my writing skills have regressed. However, that is the purpose of this class: to practice and progress with writing. I also see myself getting into various spurts of writer’s block but, as always, I eventually prevail. Although I might struggle in these areas, I have always had great time management between the different clubs and sports teams I joined in high school. For college, I plan to emulate the same strategies I used in high school for time management. As the instructor of the class, I know that you will do everything you can to maximize our success in this class. I hope that you continue to push us to learn the importance of peer review through group work and to seek outside resources so that we can further improve our works while assisting others in the class as well. By the end of this course, I hope to learn more about my place in society through close reading and written analysis. I look forward to reading all of the assigned works and furthering my knowledge of social issues while evolving my writing skills with other classmates.
I am also excited about reading works centered around the issues of the modern-day. Fortunately, during high school, I was able to read many pieces of literature written by people of color, and from what I can tell, not much of the social injustice present in their works has changed today. I think allowing ourselves to become exposed to works written by writers, that aren’t represented in media, builds awareness in the racial troubles of our country and shows our alliance to them.
I am really excited as well to read more modern pieces seeing as in high school, I wasn’t able to read many pieces that were written or produced by people of color. I think having a class like this where we can read stuff that directly impacts us today is so important in terms of encouraging discussion, ideas, and healthy debate.
Hi Sam (and Sandy and Mana),
I’m glad you all appreciate the somewhat unorthodox readings I have put on the schedule for this semester—I figure you will have exposure to the “classics” elsewhere, so what I want to do is help us all think through some of the major struggles our country is going through right now, which must mean centering the voices of historically marginalized groups. I hope the readings and listenings will prove fruitful for all of you!