Sunday, January 31, 2010

Week 3

Paulo Freire was raised in a middle-class family, but became interested in the education of the poor people in his region. He developed a teaching plan for all levels of education. The fundamentals of his teaching plan point to an educational process that focuses on the environment of the students. Freire assumes that the learners must understand their own reality as part of their learning activity.

Source: http://www.ibe.unesco.org/fileadmin/user_upload/archive/publications/ThinkersPdf/freiree.PDF

Paulo Freire’s emphasis on the importance of dialogue has affected those concerned with popular and informal education. However, Paulo Freire was able to take the discussion on several steps with his insistence that dialogue involves respect. It should not involve one person acting on another, but rather people working with each other.

Source: http://www.infed.org/thinkers/et-freir.htm

Freire is best-known for his efforts on what he called the "banking" concept of education, in which the student was viewed as an empty account to be filled by the teacher. The basic critique was not new, but Freire's work updated the concepts of Dewey and Rousseau and placed it in context with current theories and practices of education, laying the foundation for what is now called critical pedagogy.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paulo_Freire

HUMAN 7
1. Amanda feels the words "I Have a Dream" will forever cause chills to run down her spine and the hairs on her arms to stand tall.
2. Eric was unaware that the United States helped to overthrow the Iranian government during the Cold War, prior to reading President Obama’s speech.
3. Jeff thinks Oprah gave good advice when it came to following your gut.
4. Jerad thought Obama’s speech was moving and touching.
5. Karen feels that Martin Luther King Jr. has influenced us all through his deeds and writings.
6. Lori did not realize how poorly Muslims were treated prior to watching the Speech by Obama.
7. Nikole thinks that MLK Jr. has affected every part of modern life.
8. Rachelle thinks that the United States is really lucky to have the freedoms that we do.
9. Rodrigo thinks that Obama’s speech was direct.
10. Veronika is impressed by MLK Jr’s ability to bring people together and his passion.

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Week 2

President Obama Cairo Speech
President Obama begins his speech by addressing the issues between the American and Islamic people. There have been years of mistrust and tensions between Islam and the west. There have been conflict and religious wars. There are some Muslim violent extremists who have exploited the tensions between nations and that have bred fear and mistrust. It has promoted hatred and conflict which has become a cycle of suspicion by exploiting our differences.

However, the United States and Islam share common principles of justice, progress, tolerance, and equality of all human beings. The U.S. is founded upon the idea that all are created equal and we are shaped by every culture. America being shaped by every culture is dedicated to a simple concept: E. Pluribus Unum: “out of many, one”. Islam has paved the way for Europe’s Renaissance and Enlightenment periods as well as creating important things such as algebra, printing, the compass, pathology, religious tolerance, and racial equality. Muslim culture has also created beautiful arches, spires, and calligraphy as well as lovely poetry and music. The U.S. embraces Islam’s and see there prevalence everywhere with over 7 million in America. America has 1200 mosques to allow worship and freedom of religion. It has been shown that Islamic people in the U.S. hold higher incomes and education levels than the average American.

We all want to live in peace and security, get an education and work with dignity, and love our families and God. Progress must be shared between nations and problems must be dealt with through partnership. The U.S. has partnered with countries to build schools, hospitals, and improve economies. America’s goal is to see diplomacy and international consensus on ideas. Obama believe to do unto other as we would have them do unto us- this transcends nations and peoples.

President Obama discussed dialogue with “we can turn dialogue into interfaith service, so bridges between peoples lead to action”. However, he also said that words alone cannot meet the needs of people so tolerance is essential for religion to thrive and for everyone to live together. Obama stated that faith should bring us together and from the Koran, “be conscious of God and speak always the truth; whoever kills an innocent is as if he killed all mankind”. The United States and Islam need a harmonious balance between tradition and progress.

Oprah Duke University Commencement Speech
Oprah Winfrey gave a commencement speech at Duke’s graduation in 2009. Oprah has been an important figure in the world of visual arts, drama, film, and literature. People listen and respect Oprah because of her influence over the mass media and popular culture, as well as her generosity and caring demeanor that she has exhibited over her 25 years on television.

Oprah made some very good points in her speech including the beginning where she said the best way to enhance your own life is to give to others. She stated that you haven’t completed the circle of success unless you can help someone else. She also said that we are responsible for the energy that we bring to where we are or what we do. At some point in life, something will be trying, but tell yourself “what good are you to anyone if you’re miserable”. Oprah also reminded everyone that you never know what kindness you offer today to someone, may live with them forever. My favorite line of her speech was near the end and she said “I am who I am because I trust my gut more than anyone else’s opinion”. I feel that those are definitely words to live by!

Classmates Review

1. Amanda thinks the west coast is more relaxed than the east coast.
2. Andrea (Andie) thinks the United States is too political and selfish.
3. Angelina (Angie) has already taken INDIS 4 online.
4. Benjamin (Ben) love to learn about other cultures.
5. Gavin is deaf and texts all the time instead of talking on the phone.
6. Justin lives 9.9 miles from campus.
7. Nicholas (Nick) plans to transfer to SSU.
8. Karen is a history major.
9. Nicole said this is the first time she has created a blog or webpage.
10. Robert grew up in San Francisco.

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Week 1

1. What is your first name



Brooke



2. Why are you taking this class and what do you hope to learn



I am completing my B.S. in dental hygiene through an online university that does not offer many exciting GE courses so I decided to find some more interesting classes elsewhere. This course seemed very interesting because of its specific emphasis in my local city, state, and country. I hope to learn something I didn't know about my surroundings.



3. How far do you live from SRJC main campus?



I live 9.2 miles from SRJC main campus



4. Briefly, what do you think of when you think:


  • Santa Rosa~ Wine country

  • California~ Diverse terrain: mountains, snow, beaches, desert...

  • West Coast~ Ocean

  • The U.S.A~ California, New York, Florida

  • The World~ Crazy

5. Have you created a blog or webpage in the past?


The only blog I have is a Facebook page, but I rarely go on it. I created it to keep in contact with people from school.


6. Regarding computers, are you on a mac or pc?


PC all the way!


7. Do you/can you text on your phone?


I probably text way too much! I prefer most conversations through text messages because they are brief and to the point.