Faculty Directed Studies are the best creations of the Academic World. At least, for those of us who, like me, learn better by creating things. I highly recommend doing at least one FDS during your academic career. Although it's a little more work [no busy work, that's a plus!], it is much more rewarding, at least in my opinion, and I got to pick my own homework assignments!
The one I did was called "Translating a Character from Literature to The Silver Screen" or something like that - basically, I read all 7 Harry Potter books, focusing on Snape, wrote a paper about him, and then did an art project - his background, quotes about and from him, drawings of what I think he looked like, and who I would cast in a movie. Then, I watched all the movies [5 were out at that point] and wrote a review of how well they did transferring Snape from the books to the movies. It was one of the best times I've ever had at school. If not THE best time. :)
I know people who have studied Psychology in the Psalms, people who are doing a Graphic Novel Based on Russian Monarchs [Anastasia's parents], and it's just incredible that you can CHOOSE what you want to learn...there are so many choices!!!
I am trying to see if, as an alumni, they will let me take an FDS course so I can stay at work in Academic Services [although since I adore FDS's I'm going to make sure it's loads of fun!].
Here are my ideas so far:
1. Writing A Children's Novel
-basically, this class would entail: reading 10 children's stories, writing a paper about the best elements in them and then writing a children's story that tries to incorporate them.
2. Illustrating 101
-this class would entail choosing a book and then drawing/painting/etc. 5-8 illustrations throughout the semester to illustrate it. I would make a gallery at the end and include quotes from the book.
3. Constructing Scenes from Novels
-as you might have guessed, this also entails reading a favorite book and then building a scene from it. Since I've been building a dollhouse, I've realized how much fun it is to play in the world of miniatures and this would be a great opportunity to show off what I can do! :) I'd also create a binder with a list of materials, a budget, the time it took, and pictures taken along the way.
What do you think? Which class would you choose? Or what class would you make up if you could take an FDS?
Dr Dan wants me to take a photography FDS with a professional photographer or something but I don't have any free hours for it. :(
ReplyDeleteOh, SAD. :( Maybe you could make that an internship?
ReplyDeleteNow the Ass. Registrar [that was intentional] says I can't take an FDS as an alumni. WTH?! So I took it to Dr. Blewett to see if some magic could be worked. We'll see. :)