End-Of-Course Reflective Essay As Semester Ends ✓ Solved

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End-of-Course Reflective Essay As another semester comes

As another semester comes to an end, it's a good time to reflect on your experiences and your learning. For this assignment, you will write a 3-page (double-spaced) essay about your learning in this class. Your essay should include an introduction, body paragraphs (2 or 3), and conclusion. Choose 2 or 3 of the prompts below and write a 3-page essay. The Reflective Essay is an intellectual activity whereby you review in detail what you've read, learned, observed, felt, or experienced during the course, and then you draw some conclusions about the significance of those experiences in relation to the context of your life as a whole.

Reflection on Learning in ENGL 2327

As I sit down to reflect on my experiences in the ENGL 2327 course on early American literature, I am engulfed by a myriad of emotions and insights. This course has facilitated profound changes in my understanding of literature and its diverse contexts. Specifically, I will discuss two prompts: my prior knowledge of early American literature before the course began and the connections between this course and my desired career path.

Prior Knowledge of Early American Literature

Before enrolling in ENGL 2327, my knowledge of early American literature was exceedingly limited. I primarily associated the term with classic authors such as Edgar Allan Poe and Nathaniel Hawthorne, with little understanding of the broader literary movements they represented or how their works fit into the American cultural narrative. As I delved into the readings for this course, I discovered that early American literature encompasses a rich tapestry of voices and experiences, often reflecting the struggles and triumphs of diverse communities across the continent.

One of the key aspects I learned was the significant role Native American literature played in shaping the narrative of early America. Texts such as “The Iroquois Constitution” offered insights into the sophisticated governance and democratic principles held by Indigenous peoples long before European settlers arrived. This realization prompted me to reflect on the prevailing narratives often presented in history books, which frequently marginalize Indigenous perspectives.

Moreover, I was introduced to authors such as Anne Bradstreet, whose poetry reflects the complexities of women's roles in colonial America. Her work provided me with a deeper understanding of the struggle and resilience of early American women, navigating a male-dominated society. Such findings significantly broadened my appreciation and understanding of the various factors that influenced American literature’s development.

Connection to Desired Career Path

As a student aspiring to enter the field of education, the insights gained from this course are of particular relevance. The skills I have developed—such as critical analysis, literary interpretation, and effective communication—are vital in shaping my teaching philosophy and practice. One of the pivotal themes explored in the course was the relationship between literature and identity. This awareness will help me foster an inclusive classroom where diverse voices are not only represented but celebrated.

Additionally, this course emphasized the importance of critical thinking. For instance, analyzing historical contexts and the implications behind authors' choices enhanced my ability to engage with texts on a deeper level. As a future educator, I aim to cultivate this skill in my students, encouraging them to question, analyze, and connect literature to their lives and society at large.

Furthermore, I also recognized the importance of fostering a love for reading and understanding its relevance in the modern world. The lessons learned about the intersection of literature and social issues will guide my approach in promoting discussions around contemporary topics, rooted in the historical context of literature.

Conclusion

The ENGL 2327 course has been a transformative journey, leading to a profound shift in my understanding of early American literature. I have moved from a simplistic view to recognizing the rich complexities that this body of work embodies. Both my starting knowledge and my aspirations for a career in education have been shaped by the themes, ideas, and literary voices explored throughout this course. As I move forward, I feel better equipped to embrace the diversity of literature, understanding its potential to inform and influence the next generation of learners.

References

• Bradstreet, Anne. "The Complete Works of Anne Bradstreet." Ed. Jeannine Hensley. University of Massachusetts Press, 1990.
• Poe, Edgar Allan. "The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym of Nantucket." 1838.
• Silko, Leslie Marmon. "Ceremony." Penguin Books, 1977.
• Wright, Richard. "Native Son." Harper & Brothers, 1940.
• Gates, Henry Louis Jr. "The Signifying Monkey: A Theory of African-American Literary Criticism." Oxford University Press, 1988.
• Walcott, Derek. "The Bounty." Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 1997.
• Deloria, Philip J. "Playing Indian." Yale University Press, 1998.
• Harjo, Joy. "An American Sunrise." W.W. Norton & Company, 2019.
• Fry, Anthony. "Writing Early America: The New England Primer." The New England Quarterly, vol. 72, no. 4, 1999.
• Harris, William J. "Civil War Literature for Young Readers: A Review of Selected Titles." Multicultural Review, 2002.

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