Pirates

Lately, the theme of Truth in Society has been pirates. After reading an interesting pirate article, many sub-themes were brought up, encouraging further research. So we created web folders to store our research, and research discussions. Ways to properly research have been heavily emphasized lately, and a difference can be seen after using more scholarly sources. We have now managed to narrow down our investigation focuses, which I am happy about. I feel that I now know enough about research methods, and hopefully will continue to learn cool things about pirates. I expect my future research on other topics will benefit from the in-depth analyzing we did on proper online research.

Aquinas Update

Aquinas has been quite busy these days. In Religious Studies, we are analyzing the Bardo Thotrol, or Tibetan Book of the Dead. Having access to excerpts from the actual book, and having the chance to watch a very informative film on the book, has allowed for a great look into this Tibetan Buddhist custom. In English, we continue to discuss aspects of "Doubt", and have received a written text of the play, along with watching a live presentation of the play, and watching the movie. Due to all of these sources, I feel very informed on the play, yet its complexity is something that allows for these ongoing discussions. Finally, in Journalism, we have been sharing stories of significant turning points in each other's lives. Our class has been very open with one another, and there is definitely a nice sense of community there. I look forward to the upcoming classes, and whatever surprises they may bring.

I have attended a few classes of the Aquinas Program: Truth in Society, and it has been a very unique experience. It is a class that highly emphasizes the continuous discussion and flow of ideas, and the importance of everyone’s participation. I have had class discussions in other classes, but with Aquinas, it is the most open, with essentially no limits on the ideas that can be shared in discussion. I appreciate the things I have learned about class discussions. The ways in which it can bring in diverse new ideas that can be connected back to an area of focus, and that silence in this situation is not discomfort, yet a means of thought process and mental idea flowing.

I have enjoyed the discussions in which we search for “truth” and what can be further researched after analyzing a piece of writing. I can feel this process strengthening my personal opinion on what I read, and my ability to assess information and determine its importance and justifiability.

I look forward to the upcoming class discussions, and also the occasions. To me, this program is a great supporter of having one’s mind opened to new ideas, and the ability to share these advancements in a comfortable community.