Assignment 26: Classy Critique - Evan Hays

Mr. Logsdon,
I'd like these criticisms to be preceded that though I hate calling myself "different" or trying to distinguish myself from my comrades in the classroom, I must acknowledge that my learning style, especially in the field of analysis and argument may be differently developed.

I really enjoyed your class, in the words of Christopher Hitchens, "I am a writer in the sense of what I am, not what I do". Though I can say that last year I really started developing my writing, this year I really began enjoying it. The art of communication is one that I take great pleasure in accomplishing, even though my specialty is vagueness I think. And this is where my one major recommendation comes from.
I felt the Socratic seminars were too structured. Perhaps that was by necessity. You had to take a grade on them and we had to prove that we read the texts, but I think it eliminated some of the richness of it. Yes, some students need more time to develop and analyze the documents before they discuss them,but I think there is a real benefit to both sow and reap through spontaneity. If you haven't already built your argument before coming into class, it will always be easier to build an idea of interpretation that includes other students points of view.
Of course, take these with a grain of salt. I must admit that I've never really been a student to draw within the lines very well, and many others probably benefited from the prerequisites. But you asked for honesty and I can honestly say I have given it all year without a thought of stopping now. Your class was wonderful Mr. Logsdon, and a respite from all of the seemingly endless slew of nary-applicable pseudo-knowledge that was somehow seemingly learned without a hears width of real thought. Thank you for your class, sir.

With gratitude,
A learner