Mid+Term

Tom Tran CRW 11/1/11 Mid Term Self Assessment

Out of all of my classes, I would say CRW is the only class where I feel more involved. The readings that we get are interesting and I have seen improvements in how I read. From this class I learned how to take notes in my reading which I had never done before in my past. When I am reading, I take notes on things that grab my attention and I would write my reactions or write how I made a connection to what was read. In one of my past assignments, the double entry journal of chapter five, I have seen improvements in my note taking in comparison to my other double entry notes. Before when I took notes, I would write one word reactions or responses about the sources I take from the book. Then I realized that it was not sufficient to write an incomplete thought and I should write more and be clear on what I want to share. So after a few readings, I was able to practice my critical reading and note taking, and improve. Another example is when as a class, we discussed about United States Forces Abroad. Reading the few examples of how the United States was involved in foreign affairs made me think on how I can relate to all these events. This class assignment was basically about the United States and how the country takes part in regime change. Like for example, in China 1917, there were American soldiers at Chungking to protect Americans during a political crisis (http://www.fas.org/man/crs/crs_931007.htm). This led me to thinking how the United States came into foreign affairs with Vietnam during civil war between North Vietnam and South Vietnam. So then outside of class I did research about the history of Vietnam and I learned that the country had a history of regime changes. It was not a homework assignment, but I did it out of my own interest. Through my experiences I realized that this class helps us relate, contrast and think critically about past history to today’s world. Also from the class assignments and home works, it really helped me develop my reading and note taking skills.

Tom Tran. October 2011