Mythology and Folklore

A Tiger, a Brahman, and a Jackal ( Illustration by John Batten ) Origin Stories ·       Man in the Moon o    I like how direct the introduction is. Characters just are: “a wise man, who had power over all things” o    Interesting use of dialect to move through the plot. Mostly quotations with small bits of exposition. ·        The Hare that was not Afraid to Die o    Again simple statements to spark the story in focus o    I like the level of detail in this story, it gives a good feel to reading it. o    Broken into sections that begin with Now or Then often, creating a sense of rhythm o    Almost broken into stanza or verse style. Seems to have come from spoken mythology The Supernatural The Indian Who Wrestled with a Ghost o    “ By and By” seems to be unique to North American stories o    Common theme in The Hare story as well: using request for food as a means of testing central character and revealing their morality/ethics o    Interesting use of tw

Beowulf and the dragon by Henrietta Marshall ( Wikimedia )                          Beowulf , Dante’s Inferno , and The Odyssey . I am also interested in some of the geographical units like Japanese mythology and Italian mythology. I will say, I was shocked to not see a unit on Norse mythology, but it’s also possible what I’m thinking of is there under a different name. I found a number of different units I am interested in. Many of these units are classic tales that are constantly referenced but that I have never taken the time to read myself. I know I would like to read some of the classics on there like: Some units that interested me: King Arthur – This is another story that I have always wanted to read. I also really liked the style of writing. Homer’s Odyssey – This is a unit I am excited about because I read bits and pieces of it for class in high school, but never had the chance to read the full piece. Beowulf – I like this unit because it is the comple

Old Clock by user  Illymarry  ( Wikimedia ) I read the articles 11 Ways Unsuccessful People Mismanage Their Time  by Áine Cain and How to Beat Procrastination  by Caroline Webb . I liked both and found that their messages had a lot of overlap with many of the strategies I use myself. The best thing I do for time management is a process of listing and prioritization. I start at the beginning of the week writing in a small notebook that I use. On the left page, I write down everything that I need to do and everything I should do, categorizing into two lists: Short Term (1-1.5 weeks from deadline) and Long Term (anything longer). Then on the right page, I create smaller lists of tasks to be completed for the next days leading up to next Sunday. Each of these smaller lists is prioritized in respect to weekly due dates and importance. I write down even small tasks, often breaking larger ones like, “write essay,” into smaller tasks like, “Brainstorm, draft, edit, finalize.” While thi

Network ( Wikimedia )             Blogging and Web publishing are definitely new to me. I have some experience with image editing and graphics creation, but mostly limited experience there. I really like having different web resources as the home of the class as opposed to a textbook with an awkward class portal attached. My wallet appreciates the UnTextbook and Freebookapalooza resources particularly. I have had similar classes that used online resource networks like the ones described here, but never this extensively. One web skill I want to improve on is not bookmarking itself, but going back to read the bookmarked pieces later when I have time.

Old Library. Photo by Michael D Beckwith             Based on what I have read, I like the setup of this class. The core assignments seem well sized and manageable and having weekly assignments for a semester long project will definitely help prevent procrastination. I also like all of the built in feedback assignments so that we can constantly be getting different perspectives on our work. I am definitely excited about the extra credit opportunities. I am particularly interested in the Growth Mindset and HEART assignments as a way to learn more about those topics. I also like the Back-Up and Review assignments as a good method of encouraging a healthy habit.

Growth Mindset Cat ( cheezburger ) This is the first I have heard about Carol Dweck, but I have seen a number of different people with similar messages. I see myself far onto the growth-mindset side of the spectrum. This is something that I have really come to believe in the past year and something that has really helped me become more successful and find a better balance in my life. In the past, I experienced challenges, and when I couldn’t accomplish a task easily it frustrated me and made me really angry. I had the work ethic to push through my frustration but probably dealt with significantly more negative emotions than I needed to. I have really come to appreciate that what is really important, really rewarding is struggle and growth. Getting an A on a test is great, but what’s really awesome is mastering concepts that you didn’t understand and putting in the work to get there and make that A. Growth, above all is the greatest reward and the most important part of growth

Frankenstein's Monster, Wikimedia            My name is Drew Fancher and I am a senior this year at OU. My major is Chemical Biosciences and I am also pursuing a minor in Spanish and Pre-med. I spent my summer working at an Amazon factory and studying for the MCAT. I love science, which is why I chose my major, but I also really like reading, writing, and studying literature. My favorite book that I have ever read is Frankenstein , by Mary Shelley. The writing is incredible and the story itself is much more than that popular green monster. I love listening to all different kinds of music. My taste in music ranges from Merle Haggard, to Travis Scott, to Led Zeppelin. I am currently relearning guitar after taking a beginner’s class on campus last spring. This was probably the best class I took last semester because it was really well organized to create a relaxed environment to learn how to teach yourself different songs. I have also recently gotten into cooking. I love food a

(Ninth Circle of Treachery, Wikipedia ) Death’s Final Story I thought this was an excellent Storybook. The topic of the death of death was an interesting take. I’ve always liked stories about supernatural forces like Death and Mother Nature and this fit right into that category. It seems like the assignment involves retelling of a few stories, and I like how the author used these to form death’s three most important deaths. The layout of the story book is great. The pictures at the top of each page really stand out and provide a mood for the piece associated. Overall, I thought this was a well put together, complete storybook. Hell on Earth This storybook was my favorite. The author put a fresh spin on Dante’s Inferno , noting that Hell was a state of mind not a place. His use of stream of consciousness narrative to tell the story of people going through different hells with each sin was fascinating. In this way the reader not only sees what happens to these people,

          There's a unique energy about a college campus. A place where many before have started their journey and many after will too. It is a place that upholds tradition and memorializes former glory. This place is old, seemingly eternal, as if every crevice holds some secret from time past. As I walk campus in the early morning, in a peaceful quiet undisturbed by the Oklahoma heat, I cannot help but hear the same ghosts Mr. Keating spoke to. Giants who once stood as tall as me, walking to the same classes, encourage me that I too can climb mountains.           As ephemeral beings roll out of bed, this ancient place comes to life. Teeming with raw potential Norman empowers one with a sense that any feat can be accomplished. Our campus is a crossroad of past and present, of tradition and innovation. Here one can achieve limitless growth. Here one can find friends and make memories. Here one can forge a future. I love this uncommon place and look forward to every return.

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