In addition to helping turn me into a bit of a Firefly nut, English 372 also gave me the unique and thoroughly enjoyable opportunity to write about contemporary entertainment (definitely a college English first for me). I must say that writing about Buffy, Angel, and Firefly was a wonderful experience that (at least most of the time) came much easier than writing about, say, Samuel Richardson's Pamela. In short, it was nice to be able to write about something I enjoyed for a change and be able to watch TV in class. Thanks, Dr. H!
Thursday, April 14, 2011
conclusions?
Well, the semester is coming to a close and I thought I would blog about my overall reaction to a class spent entirely writing about TV (and one movie, Serenity). I originally took this class for the sole reason that it would transfer to WVU. However, I noticed, after registering for the class, a familiar face on a poster in Knutti. It was Neil Patrick Harris in a white lab coat and weird glasses. I then realized that the advanced composition class that I was getting into was covering the work of Joss Whedon. Surprised (and somewhat pleased) at this new information, I began to sincerely look forward to this very untraditional experience (it is important to note that I my only familiarity with Whedon at the time was Dr. Horrible). I was not disappointed. The class was awesome, giving me some time to sit back and enjoy literal shows before the exhausting hour and fifteen minute "Women in the Arts and Lit" with Dr. Shurbutt that would follow. As I became fully aware of the quality of Whedon's work, I decided to give in to some of my friends demands and watch Firefly (this is mentioned in more detail in an older post and I shan't go into it here). The end result of this (watching Firefly, mourning its cancellation, and cursing Fox) being a compulsive desire to watch Castle until I found the scene where Fillion is Mal for Halloween...
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6 comments:
I feel like I understand your journey from this post, very honest yet well organized, a journey towards love (and maybe obsession). I completely agree with these sentiments.
I love that you touched on how nice/different it was to write about TV, because I felt that this class very much taught me that "texts" are not always what we usually associate with college Egnlish classes, i.e. large Norton Anthologies, or Faulkner and Milton.
I hope the class transfers, but I can tell you got a lot out of it regardless!
I also found it to be a different experience writing about television. Especially a television show I knew nothing about! I will say that this class has taken me out of my comfort zone but I feel I'm better because of it. It sounds like you feel the same!
I agree about it taking us out of our comfort zones. English and papers seem like they are always about stories and poems, but the use of television was refreshing. Like you said Jonathan, it's a nice break from out other long English courses.
I understand your sentiments perfectly, Jonathan. I went through pretty much the same journey - though the only thing I was familiar with before was the movie Serenity.
I had been introduced to the idea of literary texts not being limited to the traditional written texts we read for class before, but I had never really given the thought the time it deserved. My course load, focusing around those same written texts, prevented me from pursuing the thought to any interesting ends. This class allowed me to do so.
Oh, and Jonathan, you should keep watching Castle - they reference Firefly at least two more times - subtly, of course - as the series continues. Of course, only a fan familiar with the series would pick up on the references, I'm sure, but it certainly presents Easter eggs to the observant viewer.
Ha! Jonathan, you know I'm totally with you on the Pamela reference. :)
I love how this class opened up a lot of minds, and was also the perfect balance between getting to watch things in class and having the necessary critical eye. The comfort of getting to watching everything in class made me feel more comfortable in my approach to writing about everything--if that makes sense! Overall: everything was fun to watch, fun to talk about, and fun to write about.
I loved this class, it really was interesting to sit in each session and hear what everyone else had to say. I know I never really say much, but thats just what I do. I prefer to listen rather than speak.
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