SPAN 312: concluding post

Hello again! I can't believe we have already reached the end of Spanish literature. Something about the spring semester always seems to fly by for me. This has indeed been one of my favourite classes from this semester, or even from the two years, I've been at UBC. I was fortunate enough to be a part of romance studies last year with Jon and really loved the whole concept and vibe of the class. So, when he mentioned that he would be teaching a class using the same style and system… I was thrilled. I also let some of my friends know about it so that they could take it with me too… which has made it a lot of fun. After the reading break, when it started to get warm out again, a couple of us began dedicating a day to reading that week's novel out loud to each other (thankfully… mostly in sunny weather) but regardless, it was always fun. It was also nice to be able to chat with each other while we read through the novel to make sure we were on the same page in terms of what was happening and could help each other out if needed. To be honest, even though it was still a difficult upper-level literature class - it felt like a break in a strange way from my other courses a lot of the time.


One of my favourite aspects of the class, and a huge reason why I took this class again, was the contract grading system. What I love most about it is the fact that you chose your own journey, (and the grade will be in line with that) and as long as you stick to it… you can relax knowing that will indeed be your grade. Moreover, something that was mentioned in class once that I also really enjoy was the fact that the work is spread out quite evenly and there were no huge assignments or exams. Looking back now at all my blogs, I think wow !... That really was a lot of work but it feels manageable on the week to week basis.


Anyways! I am so glad that I got to be introduced to Spanish literature in this way and I think I've really learnt a lot throughout this term. I love the way this class leaves me wanting to read more (especially novels outside of my comfort zone) because the sense of accomplishment is so great. And lastly, thank you to all of you! Jon and Daniel and everyone in the class, I've really enjoyed learning from you all, and have loved the discussions we've had in class throughout the term. 

 

Comments

  1. Daniel OrizagaApril 10, 2023 at 11:20 PM

    Let's hope it's not a "Goodbye" but a "See you soon". Thank you for continuing with these Romance Studies classes, Dr. Beasley-Murray will love reading your words. I think that in the future, when I am a teacher, I will also use the contract system (I am going to steal the idea!) because I also think that the most important thing is that students enjoy the reading experience. Thank you for your participation and all your contributions to this space for reflection. Hasta pronto :)

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  2. Chanya ChawlaApril 11, 2023 at 11:54 PM

    Hi Daisy,
    I totally agree with you about the contract grading system. It's been such a unique and liberating experience to choose our "own journey" and know that our grades will be based on that.

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  3. David PeckhamApril 12, 2023 at 8:57 PM

    Hi Daisy, thanks for sharing your concluding thoughts! I definitely also liked the communicative aspect of the course structure, it feels very refreshing to have a course designed for open dialogue. Also agree with you that the contract system works really well for a literature course.

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