As the end of the semester is drawing frightfully close and numerous projects are beginning to weigh on my mind and time, I think it is an appropriate time to reflect back on this semester and wrap this ol' blog up.
As I mentioned in my introduction, I had taken a course similar to this one in my undergrad at the University of Illinois (I tried to look up the course or instructor and was unsuccessful), and that the course had drastically influenced my life. However, the minutia and details of that course had fled memory and had only left an impression in my mind. Therefore, I was excited to have the opportunity to relearn and refresh some of those memories. Over the course of this semester I was surprised by how much I was able to recall. It reemphasized how much of sport is a reflection of our society's ideals and perceptions. Sometimes sport reflects an ugly truth (racism, bigotry, sexism, etc.) and other times it shows unity and progress in a way that is inspiring. In my opinion, sport is one of the best mediums to study in order to understand the culture of a society.
I think what I enjoyed this semester was the epiphanies. Learning about that style of writing and then being able to employ it for an experience in my own life was one of the more valuable assignments I have completed in my grad work. I now have a very poignant memory encapsulated in a way that I can relive and share with my family for the rest of my life.
On top of enjoying the epiphany section, I also enjoyed keeping a blog and seeing how we as a class were interpreting the issues and readings differently. It kept me actively learning and applying the principles and topics we were discussing in class. By writing and employing what we learned, it helped me to solidify the knowledge that have learned. Because of this, I would say that the blogs were an essential part of the class that will have a lasting effect on my life.
In the end, I think that from this class I gained an open mindedness towards others beliefs and plights in life. During one class, someone offered a quote that was something along the lines of "You can't understand what it is to be marginalized or hated for something until you have experienced it in your own life." It caused me to have my own private epiphany. As I thought of an area in my life where I am marginalized and judged negatively, I was able to understand more deeply what those of other minorities (be they gender, sexual orientation, race, or religion) face in their lives. It helped me to understand a truth, rather than just know about that truth.
Thanks for a great course Dr. Spencer!
Thanks for your nice comments and reflections on the course. I wish you could remember the name of the course and/or the professor who taught the course that you took at Illinois. There was a course known as KNS 249 that was named "Sport & Society" when I was at Illinois. I was a TA for it, and it was taught by two different professors--Dr. Susan Greendorfer and Dr. Cheryl Cole. Another course was called Anthropology of Play (KNS 142) and was taught by Dr. Syndy Slowikowski. Both had grad students as TA's. So I don't know if those were the ones you had but I am glad that you found some points that evoked good memories of whatever class you took at Illinois. What was your major there?
ReplyDeleteI especially agreed with your statement that "sport is one of the best mediums to study in order to understand the culture of a society." We have had some good discussions in your class, for which I am especially grateful. I am also impressed that you and Anthony have finished your blog entries almost a month before the end of the semester. I cannot remember that happening before--EVER! Thanks for your diligence as a student. I have enjoyed reading your blog entries for sure!
Hi Matt,
ReplyDeleteI have really enjoyed not only your blog but also what you add to the conversations in class and our Dubai group! I feel the same way about the epiphany assignment and trying a new writing style. Having read your epiphany I was blown away by your experience as an athlete and your talent as a writer. Keep up the good work!
Matt-I agree with a lot of what you said about the class. I just wanted to say also, that I feel sports had developed a large part of who I am and how I respond to other areas of my life. Sports is always a great bridge to get to know people or learn about them more. I agree, this has been a great class.
ReplyDeleteMatt,
ReplyDeleteI always enjoyed your thoughts in class and the various blog posts I got a chance to read. You always shared thought out opinions, recognizing both sides of the issues we discussed.
I would definitely agree with you that sport is an outstanding way to study and understand our culture. It also serves as a great platform to create awareness of many of the issues we discussed. Thank you for all of your insight and I wish you and your family the best of luck in your move!