It is my honor to welcome you to the class, guided by Professor Karen Laing. Upon entering this class you will first read the syllabus, and then introduce yourself to your fellow classmates. Take some time to really get to know one another. Ask questions. By the end of the semester you will feel more attached to these people than you think. Remember: although this class is online, you will not be traveling the road alone.
The first book you will read is Gilgamesh. This is one of the easiest reads for me, because the translator, Stephen Mitchell (he is the translator for the first three books), does a great job at explaining the plot in the epic. See what I did there? I used, and highlighted, the words plot and epic. They are literary terms. In all of your journal entries you will include numerous literary terms to aid with your overall knowledge of literature. It may be challenging at first, but you will soon get the hang of it.
Your journal entries are not private. You will post them on a designated discussion board, where your classmates can respond and provide constructive criticism and/or praise. Be sure to carefully read and substantially reply to your classmate’s entries. You will appreciate when they do the same for you. It is by far one of the most unique and beneficial aspects of this class.
The second book you will read is The Tao Te Ching. The book is a compilation of teachings by Lao-Tzu, meant to guide people in life and government. In my portfolio you will get to read a poem I created that incorporates three of the Tao’s lessons. If you look deep into the meaning of his teachings, you will be able to find peace within yourself.
At this point in the class you will attempt to work together on a team project. The most important thing I learned while doing this assignment is that it is very beneficial to start as early as possible. Contact your fellow team mates and create a plan from the start. It will be very difficult and stressful if you wait until the last minute. Also, inform your team mates if you will be gone for a certain amount of time or cannot complete something on your own.
The third book you will read is The Book of Job. By reading my portfolio you can gain a sense of the type of person Job was and how he struggled with his faith, relationships, and being shunned for a sin he did not commit. “My face is swollen from weeping; shadows circle my eyes - although my hands are spotless and the prayer of my heart is pure.” (Mitchell 45). Reading this book will give you strength to stand up for what is right, and also appreciate the life you live.
The fourth book you will read is The Alexiad. This is the hardest book I have ever attempted to read. Yet it is also one of the most interesting. It was written by Anna Komnene, daughter to Emperor Alexios Komnenos. It is unique in that it was written by a woman and details the entire reign of Emperor Komenos. It is a significant contribution to the world’s history and literature. Keep reading, no matter how difficult the pages seem. It will all come together in the end.
The fifth book you will read is Voice of The Living Light, Hildegard of Bingen and Her World. This is another book written by a woman in a time when not many women were considered able to create such masterpieces. Understanding the author’s music is the key to understanding her.
For my Legacy, the letter you are reading right now, my peer editor was Sade Johnson. She did an excellent job and helped me pay more attention to the details in my paper that I was missing. For example, she pointed out that I was missing many of the requirements on the Legacy checklist that could have dramatically reduced my final grade. I am grateful that she focused solely on my paper and gave me constructive criticism.
Some challenges I faced in this class were time management and some of the texts. I had a hard time reading the Alexiad, for example, as it took a lot of time to read. I am a student that likes to take notes on each page. If I were to do that assignment over again, I wouldn’t have been so focused on taking notes and really try and pay attention to what the author was saying.
The most useful resource in this class is the other students. You rely heavily on them for feedback. Another useful resource, found under Course Resources, is the Sample Assignments. It is always nice to be able to see an example of what your work should look like before you turn it in. It will help you get an idea of what you want to write about and how you could write it. As always, follow the directions and you will do well.
My portfolio will give you an example of the work that is expected of you in this class. To do well in this class you will need discipline, good reading skills, active note taking, and sincerity. I wish you all the best on your great journey ahead. “Put your heart, mind, intellect and soul even to your smallest acts. This is the secret to success.” -Swami Sivananda
Sincerely,
Michelle Kuhn
English 231, Fall 2010
Works Cited
Mitchell, Stephen. The Book of Job. New York, NY: HarperPerennial, 1992. 45. Print.
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