peace with purpose

This time you are on your own, no net, just your own ideas. Take a deep breath and let's go.

We are all learners here. Each of us brings interests and ideas and values and knowledge to the practice of learning and that should be nurtured and honoured. This assignment is where I step out of the way -- I don't leave, I just don't run the show -- and let you take your own chances. All I am asking is that you engage the ideas -- issues, knowledge, questions -- that we are exploring here in whatever way you feel suits you, reflects your interests and passions and experiences.


I meant it when I say this can be anything:

• a straight-ahead research essay
• a course journal that you add to each week
• a long poem about the boer war, or whatever
• interpretive dance
• a video of you sleeping
  
• a peace cookbook -- now, what would that look like?
  

I know. After how many years of being told what to do, the old queen is telling you it's okay to make your own choice. Choosing is never easy. It isn't always fun. It's kinda wonderful though.

The only rule: it has to connect in some way to the material -- you know, those ideas and issues and questions -- that we are exploring in this class. And it needs to be something different from the Photovoice project. That one I have defined. Now you have to come up with one. But that's the only real rule -- or was it two?

Oh, and a couple of basic administrative ones:

1. I need a proposal from you. Nothing fancy, but you need to tell me what you are going to do and how it relates to the course ideas. I will not approve these, though I may have some suggestions for you. Feel free to ignore them. We will work out in the first couple of classes a due date for this proposal. It needs to be early in the term, but not too early. And yes, you can change your mind as the term progresses. But this will help you get yourself organized. And bring a smile to the old guys face. Surprise me. Challenge me. Surprise and challenge yourself. The proposal needs to do two things: a] tell me what you plan to do, and why you have chosen this idea, this project or format in order to explore the issues and ideas we encounter in the course. Yes, it can be anything, but you need to tell me why this particular thing will help you engage the ideas here. AND b] You need to tell me how to evaluate it. This may seem weird but it really is simple. Tell me what will count, for you, as success -- remember, our two basic criteria are thoughtful and honest. This is not about judging but about you setting clear goals for yourself and tell me about them. It's as simple as a sentence that begins: "I will have met my goals in this project if....". Fill in the rest of this -- in more than one sentence of course -- so I get a sense of where you see yourself going and what you see yourself accomplishing with the project you come up with. Remember: I'm not judging or approving these, but you need to tell me what you plan to do, why, and how we both will know you have succeeded.
   
2. The final thing -- whatever it is -- will be due on Friday April 20th by 12 noon at my office -- SSC 3425. Unfortunately, there can be no extensions on that date because of grade reporting regulations -- that damned grade eating machine again -- so keep that in mind.

As we discuss this in class -- that is, as I get to know you and you get to know we -- I will add ideas from the group to help everyone with this. Anything is possible here. Just use your imagination and your heart.

So, go ahead...take a chance...there are no losers here, I promise...

_Make sure you read first a few words about grades and grading under the to begin tab so you understand how your work will be "marked".