I am in the middle of designing a study curriculum for this academic quarter. I decided to approach this time I made myself as Independent Study. I am in the midst of synthesising formal goals and plans into what my ideal educational system would look like. This requires that I be both student and professor. My classes are as follows:
Eastern Philosophy
Creative Writing—The Graphic Novel
Creative Writing—Long Fiction
Bass Fundamentals
P.E.--Boot Camp Prep
I might also include Study of an Individual Author-- Faulkner, but I can't say I'm terribly excited about that, and I probably won't have time after finding that second job.
Eastern Philosophy is an easy A. We meet twice a week, and spend the first half of class discussing the assigned reading, currently Mindfulness in Plain English by Gunaratana (Venerable Henepola Gunaratana, the cover says). There are no tests. The professor says that if we want to learn, we will, and if we just want an A, then we are seriously wasting our time. We are required to come to class, but will be excused with no questions asked if an excuse is provided. "If you lie," we were told, "then you'll be doing the exact opposite of what this class is trying to teach, so you're not only not learning, but backsliding as well. Come to class, or you will errode your soul." He was grinning when he said that last part. The second half of class is spent meditating, and during this time we can address questions or concerns that escape us otherwise. Easy A, and I expect to learn a great deal about myself, and hope to see improvements in myself as a person as I exercise my personal awareness.
The Graphic Novel class promises to be a good deal of fun. The assigned reading consists of a handful of what I hope are enjoyable and artful graphic novels, in addition to a text called "Writing and Illustrating the Graphic Novel". We will have a complete and working script by the end of the quarter. Its not all cake... We will be expected to analyze pages of graphic novels, recognize elements, and discuss what and how the author is accomplishing whatever it is he is accomplishing. I really will need to study the graphic novels, but its a hell of a lot more fun than doing to same to Shakespeare.
The Long Fiction class assumes we already know how to write short, and teaches us how to transfer this ability to novel length. We will be completing a small novella by the end of the quarter. The professor claims there is reading involved, but he's letting us choose our pieces of long fiction, so I have a feeling the class, except for the final project, is going to be easy.
Bass Fundamentals is exactly what it sounds like. Having minimal musical training, and rather high and impatient expectations of myself, I expect this class to be the most frustrating. I'll probably be looking for help on this one. The text is a compilation of Hal Leonard's Bass Method 1, 2, and 3. We will only be getting through the first, though fast learners will be accomodated.
The P.E. class is based on the rather simple pre-USMC boot camp training manual. It is designed to make sure I can perform the minimum physical requirements. The guide covers exercises for people in three stages of fitness: Inactive, Relatively Inactive, and Active. I like to think I'm active. I'll be able to challenge myself regardless.
I'm in the middle of writing serious syllabi for these classes, and will be working diligently because I want to improve, and not because I want an A. I expect this to work because, well, I just don't care about A's. I am also finding that if I read as though I am preparing a presentation on the subject, I do more than just skim for key phrases. I am actually taking notes. Skimming is fine for passing tests and bullshitting papers, but if I honestly want to teach somebody this stuff, it will require closer attention.
I have high hopes for myself right now. Historically, I have started every quarter with good intentions and lofty plans, but those plans never last. I don't know how I'm going to make this any different. Right now, my repulsion for the lazy mind that has been in control is driving me. Hopefully, I can remember what I do not want to be, and what I want to become.
The blue pill is really a book.
1 comment:
I find that I check this every day, but the entries often seem to appear in leaps and bounds...
This seems like you've got a rather good, rather solid idea of what you want to do with yourself. Wish I could say the same.
Are you still in Lakewood?
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