We are almost at the end of this semester and what a semester it has been!! I’ve have really enjoyed both of my classes this semester and this one in particular I have really learned a lot. It was really nice to learn about new topics that are not really talked about in first and second year. I think the highlights of the course were the Saturday unconference and the group talks in the breakout rooms, as I think it is really important to listen and talk to others. I feel that you learn more by doing this and I love hearing other people’s opinions about topics, as it gives you a better understanding of all sides and helps you identify different areas that you may not have thought of before. I was initially very nervous about going in to third year, as I’m the type of person who tends to stay in the background (that is where I feel most comfortable). However, this year has pushed me out of my comfort zone, taught me to be more confident in myself and not to be scared of voicing ideas or opinions in the classroom. Whether this changes back to before, if we go back to person to person teaching in fourth year I do not know, but I sincerely hope not.
Presentations
I have watched all the presentations and really enjoyed them. I did have a few technical issues with a small amount of them and could not hear all of the slides, but I read them all, which filled in some of the gaps. It has been great to see the diversity of the presentations, I have learned a lot from this and know a little about subjects that I had no clue about beforehand. The presentations also gave me a few ideas about my own project and how I can improve on it. I do not have a huge amount of comments, but I will detail some of the ones that I have just now.
Rory – Your presentation was brilliant!! From start to finish your presentation was full of really interesting information and I really think you should have your own radio show or podcast, as you have a great presenting voice and you kept it going till the very end, which made it even more interesting.
Angus – I really enjoyed your presentation and your section on the sources that you will be using was great, you have given me some ideas for my own project, especially on visitor accounts, as I found this particularly interesting.
Naomi – Your presentation was excellent as well. I particularly enjoyed the section on his biography, which you detailed about Bruce’s confliction between his duty as a father, husband and son, and his desire to be an actor. I found this really interesting and would like to know more about it. I also think you have found some gaps in research that you can help to fill in with your project, specifically on Asian/ American studies and gender studies.
I would just like to say a massive well done to everyone for their presentations and good luck for your final project/essay. One last thing before I go, thank you to everyone who has gave me feedback on my presentation, it is greatly appreciated and I will take all your comments onboard.