So I've been giving the ever-present Capstone project a lot of thought since my last post, and I think I have found the way to incorporate all that I've learned in taking the Core classes with my writing. It's still a work in progress and most certainly rough around the edges, but I'm working on smoothing it out, so bear with me.
I'm going to put together a publication (probably a mix of my work and the work of other writers) that is broken up into sections that tackle some of the topics that I've talked about in my past three years in Core. These are the categories that I've thought of so far: Concepts (of the self and community, these would be the nonfiction-esque pieces that talk about how life experiences have shaped them and those around them); Religion and Politics (for Capitalism & Democracy and Secular & Sacred, these would be pieces that in some way addressed religion or politics, maybe an explorative essay or two); and, Global World (Technology & Development and Human Rights, these pieces would discuss how the world is changing in some way). I have yet to think of ways to incorporate Aesthetics Expressions, Scientific Revolutions, and the Middle East Core classes, but I can assure you that I will.
I know that it's rough and I have a lot of work, and writing, ahead of me if I want this publication, or collections of my works as it may turn out to be, to look like how I envision it looking, but I committed to getting this thing accomplished. I have spent far too much time thinking about it already to have it not happen.
That being said, suggestions?
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First of all, I think this is a really great idea! I think in order to include the aesthetics class you should definitely try to include work from graphic design majors or the the very least make that the fiction and/or poetry section of your collection.
ReplyDeleteTechnology and Development and Human Rights could be similar to your exploratory essays on religion and politics. Oh, oh, or maybe they could be journalism pieces! Actually, I like that idea better. ha
The Middle East Core classes...hmmm, I'm not entirely sure, but if I think of something I'll let you know! haha
Also,let me know if I can help! It sounds like a great project idea.
<3
Trish--
ReplyDeleteI think you are thinking big but applying the Core quite literally here. (not a complaint or criticism, just an observation) I wonder whether dividing into sections will prove limiting, as it may stifle complex connections between subject areas (remember, course definitions are often quite arbitrary) or whether it will serve as a useful organizational starting point .. . .
One interesting concept I tend to consider in the context of scientific revolutions is . . . what does the future hold? How will scientific and technological advances shape the world to come, and will it be a positive force or a negative force?
Middle East--why is an understanding important in a contemporary context, and how does it connect to ideas regarding identity, community, devleopment and technology, human rights, etc???
In many ways, aesethtic expression serves as a cultural interpretation of or reaction to contemporary trends. In this sense, your project is an aesthetic expression--is it intended to be transformative, to make a statement, or what?
My big question for you at this point is: can you be a little more specific in terms of your project--what is it that you feel passionate about? What do you want to accomplish here? How will you focus??? Is this project literally intended to be a refelction of Core work, or something more? How will you connect the dots??
Food for thought.
Cyndi
I'm with Cyndi on this. One danger in this crossover project is to think solely about your writing and ignore everything about the Core; the other danger is to assume that somehow you have to obey the apparent categories and disciplines of the Core and then somehow write about them. Both are traps; both product writing that doesn't draw on all of your brain and your soul, everything you have to offer. So, yes: what do you care about so much that you want to spend a semester writing about it?
ReplyDeleteTim