Modules Modules Modules

on
by Kelley Blankenship
University of Worcester, England

Ello ello!

So, I realize that this blog is a little behind, but I still feel like I should write about the first week of classes... which happened last week.

My module (class) schedule looks a little something like this:

Monday:

  • HIST3003 Nationalism with Dr. Arielli @ 10:15 - 13:15
Tuesday:
  • Free Day!
Wednesday:
  • Free Day!
Thursday:
  • HIST3012 Propaganda and Politics in the 20th Century with Dr. Toon & Dr. Wright(?) @ 9:15-12:15 
  • HIST2013 Sex and Society in England: 1600-1900 with Dr. Oldridge @ 14:15-17:15
Friday:
  • HIST3006 The Home Front: Britain, 1939-45 with Dr. Andrews @ 9:15-12:15
On Monday, I was excited to finally be doing something productive! Nationalism proved to be a very interesting start to my semester, and I feel like I'm really going to enjoy that module! On Tuesday, I enjoyed the day off and did a bit of grocery shopping at Sainsbury, then I went for a nice run by the river. Wednesday was even more chill than Tuesday, but it was still nice to have that little weekend stuck in the middle of the week.  On Thursday, I had a full day of modules. First was Propaganda and Politics. After receiving the module guide (syllabus), I was fully freaked out after looking at the TEN page bibliography for just the ONE module! After seeing my wide eyes, Neil assured me that I wouldn't have to read all of the texts listed, they were merely to point me in the right direction.  Thursday afternoon in Sex and Society proved to be the most interesting and boring at the same time! Let's just say that I'm not sure if I can stay awake for three hours of sex talk with the slow talking, Snape look-a-like.... However, Friday morning proved to be extremely exciting! As it turns out, my final module of the week, The Home Front, is on the topic of social history in Britain during World War II, and is along the same lines that I want to do my thesis on for next year (as of now)! I introduced myself to Dr. Andrews and told her of my excitement. She immediately encouraged me to set up a meeting time for later on in the semester, so that we could talk about topic ideas. :)

It has been a challenge to figure out what exactly is expected of me throughout the semester. The learning style is very different here. For instance, in the US, there is usually a limited amount of text that is required for the semester. The syllabus usually tells you exactly what you are supposed to read for what day. In the UK, I am given an extensive list of books, articles, and journals that I am to pull from. I must figure out which texts pertain to the subject that I will be researching and writing about, or which texts I need to look at to gain a better understanding of the subject. Much less "guided" than in the US. In any case, it will be a good learning experience for me... Meh.

Even though by March I will feel like I will die of stress, I am excited to gain an entirely different perspective on history. I've already began to notice differences in the British views and views of the United States. Should be an interesting comparison in the end :)

"Where ever you go, go with all your heart."