Documenting My Life 2011-2010Back to newer entries Back to 2012 entries |
Another intellectually stimulating course comes to and end. This course gave me the opportunity to combine my knowledge of science with my love of literature. Discussions focused not only on when worlds collide, but also how these worlds are created and why they are created. My students I am sure developed a deeper understanding of how and why they themselves have come to view the world the way they do. Every session dealt with topics on either race, gender, religion, language, colonization, psychoanalysis or any topic, which particulary brings about a form of collision. All this was addressed through film, literature and science. No better way to learn! It continues next semester with Order and Chaos.
Needless to say how quickly time flies. In my mind, it was only yesterday I introduced myself to this group of philomaths, nonetheless, this semester came to an end on December 12 for this wonderful group of nursing students. With my rigorous training firm support and their willingness to learn and advance, this group will continue on to Anatomy and Physiology II with a firm understanding of neurophysiology, muscle physiology, the nervous system, skeletal system, special senses among other important things. This foundation will set the stage for the understanding of the endocrine, digestive, immune, reproductive, respiratory, and cardiovascular systems we will discuss next semester. I can't wait!
This summer I plan to open a genetic study on antifreeze proteins. It will take some time, so keep checking in.
A new German identity has been molded through the perverse use of history, literature, philosophy, the arts and the media shortly prior to and during World War II. Adolf Hitler and the Nazi party's use of the said media aroused a nation that was once subjected to world shame and poverty after World War I. This new perversely created identity and awakening however, lead to negative ramifications, whose aftereffects are present to this day, through memory and identity. Modern day Germans are addressing these aftereffects through literature, and other media to reconstruct their identity and how their history is to be remembered. This presentation will highlight the works of Günter Grass Mein Jahrhundert (My Century), a contemporary writer, who faces the challenge of writing about growing up during the Nazi Era. A Discussion will also focus on W.G. Sebald's Luftkrieg und Literatur (Air Raid and Literature). Sebald shares with us his philosophy on the new German literature and its role in reconstructing both memory and identity.
Presentation by Orin James
The presentation went well. It lasted for about 40 minutes. I was invited to give another one at next years conference. I can't wait.