History 7A
The goal of History 7A is to analyze issues relevant to the understanding of North American History from pre—history to Reconstruction. This course will emphasize the various social, political, cultural and economic forces that have shaped United States history. Crucial to the interpretations, which are the guiding influences of this class, will be the historical perspectives of people traditionally ignored by many historians (Chicanos, Native Americans, women, Africans). There will also be an effort to place the history of the United States in a world historical context throughout the quarter. It is important to understand that historical events do not occur without having an impact on other regions of the world.
Document Interpertation
One of the most important skills a historian develops is the ability to evaluate historical documents. This evaluation concerns asking questions of the documents that allows a historian to have insight in a particular topic or period being investigated.
Reflection: Document Interpretation - Slavery
During the second document interpretation on slavery, many personal skills were developed. The assignment was the most difficult so far. When I first began the document interpretation, it took quite some time to read through all the documents. Deciphering the author's text from the eighteenth century language which referred to past event also became a challenge, but once I overcame this challenge I gain a new skill. Through careful analysis of the document, I was able to discern the author's intent and lifestyle.
In the completion of this assignment, I felt that I used many of my academic skills. These academic skills were gained through many years of studying in school. In light of this assignment I feel that some of my academic skills have improved. Both my reading and analyzing skills were greatly used during the document analysis. My reading skills for eighteenth century text has somewhat improved since the conclusion of the assignment. My analyzing skills also greatly improved during this session; I can now convey my thoughts about text I have thoroughly analyzed in-depth.
For my next assignment, I have similar learning goals. I wish to be able to read all documentation presented. After I complete this task, I want to thoroughly analyze the author's words. Through analysis, I would like to know the author's thoughts and intent on the reader's reactions. The skill I need most approval on is my ability to convey my thoughts with others. They most difficult task I currently have in an academic class is to share my opinions with others. I have found that it is most difficult to put your reactions and thoughts into text. By being able to share my thought I will be able to cross reference my classmates opinions with my own and seen if the author intended these reactions.
During the second document interpretation on slavery, many personal skills were developed. The assignment was the most difficult so far. When I first began the document interpretation, it took quite some time to read through all the documents. Deciphering the author's text from the eighteenth century language which referred to past event also became a challenge, but once I overcame this challenge I gain a new skill. Through careful analysis of the document, I was able to discern the author's intent and lifestyle.
In the completion of this assignment, I felt that I used many of my academic skills. These academic skills were gained through many years of studying in school. In light of this assignment I feel that some of my academic skills have improved. Both my reading and analyzing skills were greatly used during the document analysis. My reading skills for eighteenth century text has somewhat improved since the conclusion of the assignment. My analyzing skills also greatly improved during this session; I can now convey my thoughts about text I have thoroughly analyzed in-depth.
For my next assignment, I have similar learning goals. I wish to be able to read all documentation presented. After I complete this task, I want to thoroughly analyze the author's words. Through analysis, I would like to know the author's thoughts and intent on the reader's reactions. The skill I need most approval on is my ability to convey my thoughts with others. They most difficult task I currently have in an academic class is to share my opinions with others. I have found that it is most difficult to put your reactions and thoughts into text. By being able to share my thought I will be able to cross reference my classmates opinions with my own and seen if the author intended these reactions.
Week Four - Caption Contest
During the week four, I found one assignment to be delightful to accomplish and that assignment was he caption contest. This caption contest required us to think about what might be happening in the painting above. Then post a possible caption for this image based on your readings and knowledge of the era. Our caption can be a title that summarizes what is happening, it can be a quote from one of the characters in the image, or something else that piques creativity. For my caption, I tried to write about the event that was taking place. During week four we learned about the French and Indian War or The Seven Year's War. The caption that I created was "French & Indian War: "Pontiac’s War Preparations at Fort Michilimackinac"". At first when contemplating my thoughts on this painting, I went to sources to gain a background on the paintings depicting the French and Indian War. To my surprise, I found a similar picture that informed me that this was Fort Michilimackinac and the tribe depicted was Pontiac Indian tribe. When analyzing the painting, one can see that the Pontiac are discussing something and judging by the firearms they are equipped with it seems they mean to go to battle. The Fort Michilimackinac seems to be occupied by many British soldiers. Later I learned that the Fort was first occupied by the French and second to come were the British. With the information I gathered from the characters in the background and foreground, I found that the Indian's were making war preparations. Also the clouds in the background give an ominous feeling that an bloody event is about to occur. By using all the information I have gathered from primary and secondary sources, I created a concise caption which summarizes the events that are occurring or about to occur in the painting above.
Week Six - Online Exhibit
http://www.slaveryinnewyork.org/index.html
During week six, we were required to view an online exhibit. The requirements were to explore the online, virtual tour of slavery in New York. Write five sections of the exhibit that stood or made an impression and explain why? "Five sections" can be a visual, an artifact, an individual slave’s story or document. When I fist went into the online exhibit, I found the title page to be quite impressionable. The title page not only was simplistic to understand, but also was historically accurate and depicted the ere with a theme. The site also seems to be supported by major organizations including New-York Historical Society, JP Morgan, and more. The exhibit itself was divided into seven categories: tour galleries, about the exhibit, education, programs, about N-YHS, support, and links. Each categories offer a brief description of the topic which was to my surprise very informative although concise. Under many of these categories their is also several links that lead to outsourcing webpages that are more descriptive in nature about their subjects. I found that reading and exploring the online exhibits resources to be interesting and delightful because of the numerous contents it offers
The first thing that stood to to me was the background design of the exhibit. The background not only catches the eyes of the viewer but it also is historically accurate for that era. I really enjoyed looking at the opaque blue color against the pale brown color of the exhibit itself. The second thing I find eye catching was the artwork for each category. The artwork all seem to be primary sources that stem from the era and are fairly relevant to the topic at hand. Another thing I found that stood out was that under each category or topic there seems to be links. These links not only lead to relevant sources that provides further information, but are also able to minimize and maximize text. While reading about education, I found that Photo cards are also included in the classroom materials for the study of Slavery in New York. This is very surprising because I would believed that classroom material would only consist of textbook and other written sources. I also learned that the emancipation proclamation was actually hand written by Abraham Lincoln himself. This was very surprising to me because during that era, I thought that the president would have a printing press or assistance to write for him.
The first thing that stood to to me was the background design of the exhibit. The background not only catches the eyes of the viewer but it also is historically accurate for that era. I really enjoyed looking at the opaque blue color against the pale brown color of the exhibit itself. The second thing I find eye catching was the artwork for each category. The artwork all seem to be primary sources that stem from the era and are fairly relevant to the topic at hand. Another thing I found that stood out was that under each category or topic there seems to be links. These links not only lead to relevant sources that provides further information, but are also able to minimize and maximize text. While reading about education, I found that Photo cards are also included in the classroom materials for the study of Slavery in New York. This is very surprising because I would believed that classroom material would only consist of textbook and other written sources. I also learned that the emancipation proclamation was actually hand written by Abraham Lincoln himself. This was very surprising to me because during that era, I thought that the president would have a printing press or assistance to write for him.
Week Eight - Document Interpretation 6: The Civil War Causes and Consequences
On week eight we were required to complete a document interpenetration. Although we have done many of these in the past what stood out to me was that not only were we able to select the documents we wanted to analyze, but we need to inform the reader why we wanted to analyze them. The two document I decided to interpenetrate were "Uncle Tom's Cabin" and "Fugitive Slave Act of 1850". The reason I chose to analyze this "Uncle Tom's Cabin" was because I was taught the significance of the document itself but not what the contents of the document had. Therefore I would like to analyze the text within the document to get a better understanding of the effect the document had on history. I chose the to interpret the Fugitive Slave Act because it was involve in a very important part of our history with slavery. At that time the South wanted slaves and the North wanted nothing to do with slaves. The laws were basically stated intents of the states and I want to study their thoughts. While reading and analyzing the documents, I found that the document I was currently analyzing was different from previous session. First the documents had much more information compared to prior assignments. Second Uncle Tom's Cabin seems to be an expert form the completed document. Lastly the "Fugitive Slave Act" did not seem like a law at all; it was he combination of demands and greed. Laws are made to benefit the people not to benefit only some people.
What stood out the most to me when reading these two documents was the way how such a civilized people could be so barbaric to those who are under develop. In Uncle Tom's Cabin, I found that Tom have more morals in mind that his slave owner had in their whole entire existence. Although Tom is considered an inferior being for the oppressors viewpoint he is a much more superior human that the slave owners. In the Fugitive Slave Act, I found that the demands made within the document were just downright unconstitutional. First it wanted to establish a new power, the commissioner, needless to say the individual's power was just out of reasoning. Second, it wanted to condemn anyone helping slaves, and rewards anyone would captured slaves. Lastly, anything could be used against a person accused as a slave as long as it was within one's acceptation. How could such a well developed system be corrupted by such an unconstitutional document?
What stood out the most to me when reading these two documents was the way how such a civilized people could be so barbaric to those who are under develop. In Uncle Tom's Cabin, I found that Tom have more morals in mind that his slave owner had in their whole entire existence. Although Tom is considered an inferior being for the oppressors viewpoint he is a much more superior human that the slave owners. In the Fugitive Slave Act, I found that the demands made within the document were just downright unconstitutional. First it wanted to establish a new power, the commissioner, needless to say the individual's power was just out of reasoning. Second, it wanted to condemn anyone helping slaves, and rewards anyone would captured slaves. Lastly, anything could be used against a person accused as a slave as long as it was within one's acceptation. How could such a well developed system be corrupted by such an unconstitutional document?
Final Reflection
During the Online Session of History 7A, I learned about various event that occurred prior to 1800's in the United States of America. The requirement for the class was quite strenuous: we were required to complete quizzes, communicate our knowledge through discussions, and compile many document comprehensions. The majority of the course was spent studying the content of the textbooks and resources given to us by the professor. When I first began this class I felt that I would not be able to rely one others for help since it was an online course with on physical contact with others, but I was quickly proven wrong when one of our first assignments was to relate our finding on a exhibit we have analyzed. I quickly found out that many of the students in this online course were able to proficiently communicate there thought with one another. I also received many feedback information from my classmates that aided and help me progress through my studies. I found that reviewing and critiquing others submissions was both interesting and useful; I was able to gain further insight and depth on the topic I was studying at that moment. The quizzes themselves required students to have a broad grasp on each chapter. The quizzes would not only test ones knowledge on terms, but our knowledge on who people were, what impact these people made, and how and why these events in history occurred. I felt that I could accurately answer the question provided in the quizzes with prowess because I have spent quite a lot of time reviewing each section of history. What I most enjoyed about this class was the caption contest. Not only were the caption contest very enjoyable to do, but they were also very competitive. I found that viewing the winners of and others submissions in the caption contests made me improve myself so that I could gain an advantage over other classmates. The competition in the caption contests also progressed my analytical skills in deciphering historical documents. One of the most difficult assignments to do within this course was the document interpretations, I found it very challenging to voice my opinion to others in my first document interpretation. After viewing other submissions and taking into consideration my fellow classmates tips, I was able to overcome this dilemma with grandeur. In the final document interpretations, I was able to voice my views on the author's intent within his word, my opinions on the event occurring, and construct a summary of what I could take away from reading the document. By creating this e-portfolio I have completed on of the assignments listed in the History 7A course. While progressing through the course the class was required to develop our e-portfolio through several stages. In completion of the stages we were to discussion our developments to each other. I found it quite satisfying to read others progress and gain new ideas.
When I first took this course I felt I would be learning just a bunch of historical facts. My goal when I signed up for this class was to get an overview over the events that occurred within the early United States of America and integrate the reasoning of why such events took place within my knowledge. History 7A far surpassed my expectations, I not only learned about how these events took place but what lead them to occur in the first place. History 7A taught me how to objectively look on historical event and formulate my own opinions on the subject. My interpenetration and analysis skills were broaden by reading and completing the assignments tasked within History 7A. The knowledge I have gained throughout the online course can be use to formulate a strategic stand on future events. I will be able to decline events that are similar to the United States faults, and accept events that are in relation to making this country prosperous according to the historical text. I have improved many skills during History 7A, which include time management, organization, and document interpenetration. All of these skills while propel me into succeeding in my future course. I also gain insight on how an online course functions and will be able to improve on future online course with this experience. I felt the greatest takeaway of this course was gaining knowledge of the experiences of past figures which underwent strenuous burdens and trying responsibility to triumph over despair.
When I first took this course I felt I would be learning just a bunch of historical facts. My goal when I signed up for this class was to get an overview over the events that occurred within the early United States of America and integrate the reasoning of why such events took place within my knowledge. History 7A far surpassed my expectations, I not only learned about how these events took place but what lead them to occur in the first place. History 7A taught me how to objectively look on historical event and formulate my own opinions on the subject. My interpenetration and analysis skills were broaden by reading and completing the assignments tasked within History 7A. The knowledge I have gained throughout the online course can be use to formulate a strategic stand on future events. I will be able to decline events that are similar to the United States faults, and accept events that are in relation to making this country prosperous according to the historical text. I have improved many skills during History 7A, which include time management, organization, and document interpenetration. All of these skills while propel me into succeeding in my future course. I also gain insight on how an online course functions and will be able to improve on future online course with this experience. I felt the greatest takeaway of this course was gaining knowledge of the experiences of past figures which underwent strenuous burdens and trying responsibility to triumph over despair.
"A successful student learn from his/her mistakes and failures, and actively tries to improve their faults in their academic studies" - Brandon Tsay [week one]
College One
Design Jam 2015
In Design Jam 2015, at Pasadena City College we learn to constructed prototype buildings by using a modular system. In this activity we used index cards, scissors, and our wits to construct an stable, large, and ascetically pleasing building prototype. The second thing we learn in Design Jam 2015 Week Two was the program Photoshop. We first went about with a brainstorm activity that required us to describe objects with photographs only. This was a though assignment but in the end we finally finished describe our inanimate object. Using these photographs we then proceeded to learn about Photoshop by using the photos we had take before hand as templates; using the photographs we then created a layout for the pictures taken. Another thing we were educated on in Design Jam 2015 was how to use the 3D sketch program AutoCAD. Prior to the event we were asked to fabricate a logo for the preset groups we were in. Using the logo we made for our group we created a 3D laser cut template on the computer. The final product was amazing It was a 4" by 4" wooden framed logo. From my experience from this Jam I had learned that working with groups require agreement and compromise. I was thought that computers could be utilize to create many brilliant objects.
During my time at Design Jam 2015, I was able to meet many people coaches, teachers, and other students. The Most significance conversation I had was within my group that we were assigned to. We talked about our majors, where we were from, hobbies, and our personal lives. I was soon able to create many friend in Design Jam. The Coaches and Teacher were great and very informative. If it was not for them I would not be able to proficiently function as I do at college now. The most helpful tip they have told me recently so far, that has proved useful was the bookstore. I had no idea where I was going to purchase my supplies before I enter Design Jam 2015, but now I have all my books and stationary goods. Another help resource I was informed of was the Counseling Center if not for Design Jam I would not be in the classes I am currently enrolled in. They help me progress in my academic stature. I high recommend pathways students to attend Design Jam.
During my time at Design Jam 2015, I was able to meet many people coaches, teachers, and other students. The Most significance conversation I had was within my group that we were assigned to. We talked about our majors, where we were from, hobbies, and our personal lives. I was soon able to create many friend in Design Jam. The Coaches and Teacher were great and very informative. If it was not for them I would not be able to proficiently function as I do at college now. The most helpful tip they have told me recently so far, that has proved useful was the bookstore. I had no idea where I was going to purchase my supplies before I enter Design Jam 2015, but now I have all my books and stationary goods. Another help resource I was informed of was the Counseling Center if not for Design Jam I would not be in the classes I am currently enrolled in. They help me progress in my academic stature. I high recommend pathways students to attend Design Jam.
Fall Semester 2015
College Reading Reflection
During our reading of "Spare Parts" by Joshua Davis, we were required to reflect on our reading in a Reading Response Journal or "RRJ". The influence of the Reading Response Journals helped me thoroughly discern the text. While reading "Spare Parts", I was inclined to consider the questions asked for the Reading Response Journals. I had to consider how I felt while I was reading each chapter; I asked myself what emotion or opinions did I have about the paragraphs. I noticed I started to develop more complex ideas. The Reading Response Journals made me develop strategies when I read "Spare Parts". During the examination of the novel, I reflected on each character's life. I especially paid keen attention to the characters, Christian and Lorenzo. While reading about Lorenzo and Christian I was impelled to relate their experience with mine. Seeing Lorenzo's and Christian's motivation for education, I, myself was motivated to learn more in college. When I read about the conventional measures the robotics team took during their water crisis I was influenced to use conventional measures to complete some of my projects especially my Design Technologies projects. “Spare Parts” is a delightful book, perfect for entertaining and inspiring college students. Joshua Davis writes well, and he keeps his plot moving smoothly. I only wished that he’d paused more often to quote the four young men and let them tell us in their own words how they felt about their extraordinary experiences. Since entering Pasadena City College my reading has change, now when I read I think comprehensively about the characters and their affiliations with the text. I developed several strategies for reading assignments/ While beginning to read, I would set a certain amount of pages I would need to complete to finish my daily reading task. I would also take several short breaks to think and review what I had just read. I also develop a habit to note and jot down key events and important key terms. One of the most difficult novels I have read was "The Awakening" by Kate Chopin, the text was difficult to read because I was not able to relate myself to the main protagonist, Edna. She live in the past and was a female character. To relate to the characters situation I had to research the decade of the time. I was able to gain some sense by using feminist materials. I felt like an outsider for reading in college because the reading where regular daily occurrences unlike high school education courses. I felt like an insider for reading in college because of the decisions we had on the topic of the chapters we have read.
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Midterm Successes and Failures Reflection
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SuccessesOne of the most successful experiences I had was participating in a Group Poster Project in College 01. The Group Project required us to design a presentation as a group to explain our topic. During our group poster project we hoped to you several aspects of technology to further advance our posters aesthetic value, but unfortunately we did not get to use any technological enhancement due to poster in capabilities. However we did get to design the poster with several irradiance colors with various shapes and forms which we wanted to represent freedom. In the poster project I wrote several paragraphs of the final data located on the poster. I also contribute to the layout and color format of the poster. Everyone’s contribution to this project made me even more motivated to create a successful presentation. During the final construction of the project, I also guided several key elements into place with my group members. I learned several important experiences from this poster project which is some articles are more credible than others. I also realized that creating a project such as this takes several key steps in planning and brainstorming. What was most difficult in this project was to coordinate as a group to further become productive in this poster assignment. The one major thing I learn from this project about communication is that it is better to state your opinion and have it denied than to not say anything at all. At several time members of my group stated their ideas on a certain phase of the project when it had already passed, many of which were great ideas that could have improved our overall quality. What makes a group successful in a project is the ability to communicate evenly as equals and I felt we were proficient at this. Without proper support from one another a group may fail to function. I felt that each group that completed this project had a stronger foundation in relation compared to when they began this assignment.
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FailuresOne of the biggest failures I had during this semester was while working on a research project for English 14. For English 14 we were required to compile a research report for topics we selected. I decided to research the Influence of Media and Advertisements. During my research I had trouble locating data which contributed to my thesis statement. The section I had the most difficulty with was the oral presentation. Although the instruction were simple; to create a six slide power point which portrays your evidence. The professor did not write a rubric for this assignment so I used my own interpretation. When I presented I felt I had done a great job explaining my thesis statement, quotes, and conclusion, but the teacher orally required all student to have everything written down on the six slide presentation. Therefore needless to say I received an F for presentation content. To improve on this failure, I decided to contribute extra details in my research report. I spent several hours of my day revising and improving my essay. After I turned in my report, I received a great grade and improved my overall research assignment grades. Prevalence and tenacity help me pull through this assignment although my hope where low. I also sought help outside my class which included friends, family, and CTEC tutors. I found the tutoring to be exceptionally helpful. I had numerous errors which were peer reviewed and corrected. At several times I found myself resilient to progress in this assignment because of my sanity and morality but to my surprise, I sent quite a while working on this report. Next time I will ask the professor for more details on the assignment if it is tentative. I feel like if I utilized more office hours I would have not experience this failure therefore in the future I will be more diligent and seek help from my professors. Time management is also crucial when working on a large assignment, I had several difficulties in this subject, I would have conflicting assignments and events. Experiencing this failure caused me to change several bad habits.
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