~ First Reflection ~

Course Material Engagement

• So far in this semester, I have tried my best to go above and beyond with my engagement with the materials. I have been utilizing our class Hypothesis.is to make notes and memos for me to look back on during class so I can make engaging and thoughtful comments during class time.
• I would like to improve on saying more during class, though I do feel like I have been doing a good job thus far with my discussion comments. There is always room to grow, though, and I definitely feel like being in person will help give me the confidence I need to make more meaningful contributions.
• I am most proud so far of my 5-15 reports, which I work very hard on both in terms of their content and their physical appearance. My reports have good summaries of the readings, as well as include analytical perspectives which tie the two classes I am taking together quite well.

Learned Content

• So far in this course, I’ve learned a very wide range of content, from strong women in Chinese History, to how to use Word Press, to how to use the library system and Zotero. My 5-15 reports best show the range of content I have learned from the readings.
• I am definitely seeing a thread of learning about the ways in which Chinese women act in terms of their position to men in Chinese History. We’ve seen a lot of sources thus far which relate women to men in their power over women, the rules women have to follow, and the acceptable ways women must act.
• So far, I’ve learned to bring a perspective of a historian to not only this class, but also my other classes that I am taking this semester, not just the IL course with Dr. Miller. This is the first history class I have taken at Muhlenberg, and I am really enjoying learning about the way women in Chinese Culture have been treated in the past and how it has changed, as well as how the way they are treated compares to the Western treatment of women. I have definitely applied this historian perspective to my Feminist Media Communications course, where we are learning about the ways in which women are portrayed in the media, both in the past and in modern day. There is definitely a cross-cultural universal of women being subordinate to men.

Learning Commons

• I have LOVED having the Discord as a space to engage with, as well as the blog posts! Both of these online platforms have allowed me to converse with my classmates in a way that just being in a classroom did not allow for me.
• The Discord had been essential to me when it comes to connecting to my classmates and getting help when I need it. I have utilized the Study Room many times, where I have gotten help and support from my fellow classmates. Also, I have loved getting to go to the Tea Room hours, where Dr. D is extremely helpful whenever I need any extra help with anything.
• The blogposts have been so much fun to interact with as well. I love seeing others’ posts and commenting on them to give them feedback or recommendations. Also, I love getting comments on my 5-15 reports as well, though sadly I hardly ever get any. Is anyone even looking at my posts? I hope so, but I’d love to know if people actually are.
• I think I have been doing a pretty good job so far with my comments on others posts and my participation on Discord, but I hope that I can take part even more when we are in person.