A PowerPoint slideshow, along with assiduous note taking, took up a large portion of our time in class today.
Whenever we attempt to learn a religion, we begin with the steps of educating ourselves with its origins in order to link its roots to modern day practices. After a briefing over the religion's history, we move on to its customs and general beliefs, and then analyze it using the Medical Model.
However, our studies do not stop in the classroom—throughout our course are scheduled visits to each respective religion's holy place. There, we will have the opportunity to speak with the head of the house of worship and ask them questions that we may have regarding the faith.
Our first field trip will be next Thursday, I believe to a local mosque.
Aside from our typical core class, Arête classes are also very engaging and fun. They allow students to take part in activities that they may have never dared to try before, and, most of all, encourages them to step out of their comfort zone while having fun.
Today was the Arête Showcase for the classes to exhibit their newly found skills and talents that the students have gained over the past week.
The Teen Scene presented a short scene that we had the chance to spontaneously piece together during one of first few days of class. However, this time, it was revised and adapted to create smoother and more appropriate act.
Whenever we attempt to learn a religion, we begin with the steps of educating ourselves with its origins in order to link its roots to modern day practices. After a briefing over the religion's history, we move on to its customs and general beliefs, and then analyze it using the Medical Model.
However, our studies do not stop in the classroom—throughout our course are scheduled visits to each respective religion's holy place. There, we will have the opportunity to speak with the head of the house of worship and ask them questions that we may have regarding the faith.
Our first field trip will be next Thursday, I believe to a local mosque.
Aside from our typical core class, Arête classes are also very engaging and fun. They allow students to take part in activities that they may have never dared to try before, and, most of all, encourages them to step out of their comfort zone while having fun.
Today was the Arête Showcase for the classes to exhibit their newly found skills and talents that the students have gained over the past week.
The Teen Scene presented a short scene that we had the chance to spontaneously piece together during one of first few days of class. However, this time, it was revised and adapted to create smoother and more appropriate act.
There were a few technical—actually, physical—difficulties (the evil stepmother tripped on the stairs when entering the stage due to his inexperience with wearing high heel shoes), but it added to the scene in a positive way, which turned out fantastic.
I was nervous at just the thought of walking onto the stage under the glaring theater lights since I have never had any acting background before this, but once we were all immersed into our characters, there was nothing to be afraid of. I am very content with the way our presentation turned out—everyone did a great job!
We also had another event in the Rotunda tonight—the "Come As You Aren't Mixer".
Most of the proctors and students dressed up for this event, and everywhere I looked this evening I saw interesting and hilarious costumes ranging from Greek men and women to cow folk.
It was a nice evening to have fun and simply relax (I do not usually dance, so I spent time in the game room instead with some friends to pass time and eat candy).
Tomorrow will mark the start of our first weekend here. Although it is Saturday, the program still has some things scheduled for the day. The VSA rented out an entire cinema for us tomorrow evening to watch the last Harry Potter movie. Although I am not quite a fan of the movies nor the books, I am still excited that we get to go to the city and enjoy ourselves.
We also had another event in the Rotunda tonight—the "Come As You Aren't Mixer".
Most of the proctors and students dressed up for this event, and everywhere I looked this evening I saw interesting and hilarious costumes ranging from Greek men and women to cow folk.
It was a nice evening to have fun and simply relax (I do not usually dance, so I spent time in the game room instead with some friends to pass time and eat candy).
Tomorrow will mark the start of our first weekend here. Although it is Saturday, the program still has some things scheduled for the day. The VSA rented out an entire cinema for us tomorrow evening to watch the last Harry Potter movie. Although I am not quite a fan of the movies nor the books, I am still excited that we get to go to the city and enjoy ourselves.
Julia,
ReplyDeleteAnd a fun time was had by all..
I'm afraid I would have packed my bags and headed for the airport before they got me to step up on stage and play acted. That's just not my cup of tea.