Christina's ePortfolio

 Christina Vidal

ENGL 2330-001

Professor Kilpatrick

08 December 2013

Reflective Writing

For a children's literature course I wish there was a greater focus on the literature itself and less of a focus on multiple projects, presentations, and other unrelated assignments. I also thought that a course that intends to focus primarily on scope, artistic merit and selection wouldn't include an emphasis on teaching children's literature. I had thought I was taking a course in which I would learn about children's literature – reading it, analyzing it, discussing it – but these elements I was so very much looking forward to seemed glossed over or at times left out completely. This is of course leaving out the fact that the textbook itself related very poorly to the teaching material. The text seemed outdated and to have left out much of what we discussed as a class.

As for how I feel I progressed as a student from taking this course, I would say I benefited in a few ways. Having many, many assignments taught me to manage my time better (well, on most assignments, anyway). I was able to broaden my literary horizons by reading and learning about children's and young adult literature. I now have quite a few books added to my to-read list, many being ones that I'm not sure how I missed reading in my childhood. I was also able to gain more practice in writing research papers, a task I don't do very frequently.

The final project was an arduous but ultimately fulfilling assignment. Early on in the course I was fascinated by the ways in which certain children's/young adult books present gender roles. So it was fun being able to examine that topic in detail and immerse myself in something I'm comfortable with: writing.

Overall, I enjoyed the course. I liked that I got a chance to read new and interesting literature. And it's good that there were a few presentations so that I could practice speaking in front of a class, (which I am absolutely terrified of). However, the one thing that I wish there was more of was just reading and analyzing more books. And I could have done without all the teaching elements. I honestly think the course could be more productive if it were split into two different and separate courses: one with a focus on the literary content and one with a focus on teaching. I almost wanted to drop this class after I realized it wasn't what I thought it was going to be. But, ultimately, I'm glad I didn't or I wouldn't have had the chance to read so many great books.