In the complex web of modern existence, where the past haunts us and the present seems surreal, history assumes the role of a master manipulator. But let's not be deceived; it's not a mere chronicler of events. It's a cunning chameleon, weaving tales to suit its whims. Take, for instance, the contrasting narratives of colonization, as told by the colonizers and the colonized, each molding the story to their advantage. This deceptive nature of historical narratives should not just inspire but compel us to be more discerning and critical, for it directly impacts our understanding of the present.
Imagine a city alive with buzzing lights and the scent of street food mingling with desperation. History isn't just trapped in dusty books; it's a living, breathing presence prowling the streets, whispering half-truths and spinning deceitful tales. It's a mystery waiting to be unraveled, a puzzle begging to be solved.
Consider the hot dog, a culinary emblem of American pride. Once a humble sausage nestled in bread, it has transformed into a peculiar amalgamation of mystery meat and questionable toppings—a lamentable caricature of its former self. This transformation mirrors the way historical narratives can be distorted over time, with the original truth becoming obscured by layers of interpretation and bias. Yet, we consume it with gusto, blissfully unaware of the murky world of food processing and cultural appropriation it embodies. Similarly, we often accept historical narratives without question, failing to recognize the complexities and nuances they may hide.
But history isn't content with influencing our taste buds; it also seeks to manipulate our perceptions. Consider the act of travel, a noble pursuit of enlightenment, and the allure of social media validation. We traverse the world in search of authenticity, only to find ourselves ensnared in tourist traps and tacky souvenir shops, our cultural exploration reduced to a 'consumerist spectacle.' This term refers to the commodification and trivialization of artistic experiences for commercial gain, where cultural artifacts and experiences are packaged and sold as mere commodities, often devoid of their original meaning or significance.
And what of life, with its myriad of experiences, triumphs, and tribulations? In the eyes of history, we are mere players on a grand stage, our triumphs and sorrows reduced to mere footnotes. We strive to find meaning in a world that thrives on chaos, reaching for those fleeting moments of connection that twinkle like stars in the night sky.
But fear not, for there's a glimmer of hope in this absurdity and anguish. Just as history shapes us, we have the power to shape it right back. We can forge our own narratives by questioning the stories we've been told, seeking multiple perspectives, and critically analyzing the information. We can make informed decisions, take action, and contribute to the narrative. In doing so, we can take control of our narrative and rewrite the story of humanity.
My classes utilize both Howard Zinn's Patriot's History of the United States and Larry Schweikart's Patriot's History of the United States, mostly in excerpts posted to the modules. You can access the full text of People's History or Patriot's History by clicking on the links.
Imagine a city alive with buzzing lights and the scent of street food mingling with desperation. History isn't just trapped in dusty books; it's a living, breathing presence prowling the streets, whispering half-truths and spinning deceitful tales. It's a mystery waiting to be unraveled, a puzzle begging to be solved.
Consider the hot dog, a culinary emblem of American pride. Once a humble sausage nestled in bread, it has transformed into a peculiar amalgamation of mystery meat and questionable toppings—a lamentable caricature of its former self. This transformation mirrors the way historical narratives can be distorted over time, with the original truth becoming obscured by layers of interpretation and bias. Yet, we consume it with gusto, blissfully unaware of the murky world of food processing and cultural appropriation it embodies. Similarly, we often accept historical narratives without question, failing to recognize the complexities and nuances they may hide.
But history isn't content with influencing our taste buds; it also seeks to manipulate our perceptions. Consider the act of travel, a noble pursuit of enlightenment, and the allure of social media validation. We traverse the world in search of authenticity, only to find ourselves ensnared in tourist traps and tacky souvenir shops, our cultural exploration reduced to a 'consumerist spectacle.' This term refers to the commodification and trivialization of artistic experiences for commercial gain, where cultural artifacts and experiences are packaged and sold as mere commodities, often devoid of their original meaning or significance.
And what of life, with its myriad of experiences, triumphs, and tribulations? In the eyes of history, we are mere players on a grand stage, our triumphs and sorrows reduced to mere footnotes. We strive to find meaning in a world that thrives on chaos, reaching for those fleeting moments of connection that twinkle like stars in the night sky.
But fear not, for there's a glimmer of hope in this absurdity and anguish. Just as history shapes us, we have the power to shape it right back. We can forge our own narratives by questioning the stories we've been told, seeking multiple perspectives, and critically analyzing the information. We can make informed decisions, take action, and contribute to the narrative. In doing so, we can take control of our narrative and rewrite the story of humanity.
My classes utilize both Howard Zinn's Patriot's History of the United States and Larry Schweikart's Patriot's History of the United States, mostly in excerpts posted to the modules. You can access the full text of People's History or Patriot's History by clicking on the links.
CURRENT CLASSES
IMPORTANT LINKS
Welcome to academia, a place where conformity rules and originality is a rare sight. Creativity often meets its demise as students navigate through rubrics and guidelines. From discussion board posts to final projects, each task seems to reflect the absurdity of academic life. But fear not; there is a wealth of resources available to aid students in this journey through the bureaucratic wilderness. Amidst the conformity, there's a reflection of society's dysfunction, a reminder of the absurdity of it all. So, students, embrace the chaos, revel in the irony, and remember, we're all cogs in the bureaucratic machine seeking meaning in a superficial world. The availability of these resources is a testament to the support system that academia provides.
DIGITAL BREADCRUMBS
In today's digital realm, armed with just a mouse, we journey through the cyber real. Likes determine the connection, while our souls pay the price of admission. We plunge into the algorithmic abyss with each click, unsure of enlightenment or mere distractions. Amidst convenience lies a web of contradictions. The online realm reflects our desires and fears. Let's venture forth, where treasures and trials await.
First Time Online Students
First online course? This video can help get you started:
In today's digital realm, armed with just a mouse, we journey through the cyber real. Likes determine the connection, while our souls pay the price of admission. We plunge into the algorithmic abyss with each click, unsure of enlightenment or mere distractions. Amidst convenience lies a web of contradictions. The online realm reflects our desires and fears. Let's venture forth, where treasures and trials await.
First Time Online Students
First online course? This video can help get you started:
RUNDOWN
Welcome to the world of online education, where the struggle against spotty Wi-Fi and existential ponderings is real. To tackle this digital frontier, it's crucial to construct a disciplined schedule reminiscent of a military operation, complete with a designated study space free from the temptation of midday naps. Don't let go of your morning rituals just because you're learning from home. Use digital calendars and task lists to keep track of deadlines, and remember the importance of time zones. To fight the eternal battle against digital clutter, use folders and separate notebooks like a pro. But most importantly, combat the isolation by forming virtual study groups. After all, staring at a screen alone for hours is not the most enjoyable way to learn. As Nietzsche wisely said, "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he does not become a monster. And if you gaze long into an abyss, the abyss also gazes into you."
Reading in College
Reading quickly is critical in a college setting. This video has some helpful hints on how to do that.
Reading quickly is critical in a college setting. This video has some helpful hints on how to do that.
RUNDOWN
In today's whirlwind of quick fixes and instant smarts, the pursuit of speed-reading mastery may seem like the ultimate quest for the endlessly curious. However, amidst the noisy chorus of self-help hawks and 'life hack' prophets, promising to unlock the secrets of accelerated learning with a snap of the fingers or a wink of an eye, we find ourselves skimming through advice that champions practice, building interest links, pre-reading tactics, skimming strategies, and the emphasis on learning. Yet, as we navigate this chaotic landscape, it becomes clear that true wisdom isn't measured in words per minute or pages per hour but in the moments of quiet reflection and genuine understanding that only come when we slow down, take a deep breath, and savor the journey, one word at a time. This journey of learning is not just about the destination, but about the joy and satisfaction we find in the process. Let this inspire and motivate you in your own learning journey.
RUNDOWN
In today's whirlwind of quick fixes and instant smarts, the pursuit of speed-reading mastery may seem like the ultimate quest for the endlessly curious. However, amidst the noisy chorus of self-help hawks and 'life hack' prophets, promising to unlock the secrets of accelerated learning with a snap of the fingers or a wink of an eye, we find ourselves skimming through advice that champions practice, building interest links, pre-reading tactics, skimming strategies, and the emphasis on learning. Yet, as we navigate this chaotic landscape, it becomes clear that true wisdom isn't measured in words per minute or pages per hour but in the moments of quiet reflection and genuine understanding that only come when we slow down, take a deep breath, and savor the journey, one word at a time. This journey of learning is not just about the destination, but about the joy and satisfaction we find in the process. Let this inspire and motivate you in your own learning journey.