Learning Reflection

Week Twelve

a.  At what moment did you feel most engaged with your learning for the week?  Be specific.  Was it while reading, writing for the online discussion forum, while thinking about the class, or while talking to others about it?   Why was this the moment when you felt most engaged?

I felt most engaged this week while writing about Democratic Discourse in D.F.  As well as how to improve the second Constitution, this was difficult to answer and I said I wouldn’t change anything .  Also the Obama administration is working on very important reform which is Higher Education and to make it affordable to all Americans. 

b.  The Enlightenment helped introduce the “how-to genre” and the idea that individuals can make their own lives better through reason, rational discussion, and virtue. What are you learning about the Enlightenment, ideas of self-improvement, and yourself as you work on your virtues.   

I learned about the Enlightenment how they made their lives better, improved and change through reason, debate and discussions.  The self improvement ideas and virtues is I think timeless and will work for generations to come.  Personally it helps me to recognize what I need to change and work on self improvement.

c.  As you have participated in literary discussion and rational, democratic debate, what have you learned about both either this or last week?

I have learned that democratic debates and literary discussions led to where we are today and didn’t start until 1750’s.  Rational debates gives an individual’s right for free speech and his/her own opinion.  As I understood women were not allowed to participate in most debates and no voting rights but changed afterward.

d. What action did the professors or another student take that you found most helpful or affirming?
 N/A

e. What action did anyone take that you found most puzzling or confusing?  Why?  How did you overcome your confusion?

none 

f.  What about the reading and discussion has surprised you?

I was surprised when I first read Madison’s Federalist #10 about “Factions” I didn’t know how I could interpret and grasp his points.  After reading it twice and read others blog post it helped.

Federalist # 10 Interpretation

Week Twelve

 Faction is a group as in government acting together for the same interest, passion and beliefs against another group of government.  Madison briefly discusses how faction can be dangerous for the unification of the states as one union government (Federal Government).   At the time faction could be against individual rights and liberty between the major and minor parties.

“Extend the sphere, and you take in a greater variety of parties and interests; you make it less probable that a majority of the whole will have a common motive to invade the rights of other citizens; or if such a common motive exists, it will be more difficult for all who feel it to discover their own strength, and to act in unison with each other.” 

    I agree with Madison’s debate on how politicians could get elected and how voters make decision based on the public good and not self interest.  There is a conflict of faction and people are emotional and vote according to their self interest and beliefs.  I believe Madison was focusing strongly on liberty and individual rights to vote and express opinions whether a person is rich and owned a property or poor and didn’t own a property.  In which at the time owning a property was one of the biggest personal status as being rich.  Madison debated if it would be better to remove the causes of faction or to control its effects.  I think it would be very difficult and impossible to remove faction instead it is better to control its effects.

Virtue Status Update

Week Twelve
Acceptance
In the past i have questioned and reasoned some (things/situations /people) are a certain way and if there is anything that would change it or them.  I learned to accept some things that are out of my control, and try to do the best on my part.   Still i am working on these certain issues by accepting whatever happens then trying to find a solution or an answer by doing some research.

Comparison of peer blogs

Week Eleven-Reflection
 

Cynthia-She has her own experiences on most of the assignment essay’s or discussion.  I read her blog post to get some insight on the assignment.  She is always posting her blogs by the due date and easy to follow.  Her blog page template is clear, easy to read and flows in order.

Keith- It is very interesting to read his blog posts because he understands the subject matter to be discussed.  This helps me to understand what I need to focus on and great to read his opinions.  I really like the clear and easy to read template and background.

Courtney- I like the simplicity of her blog page and she used different colors to brighten the dark background.  It is easy to read and organized. Courtney is up to date with most of the assignments so it makes it helpful for me to read her blog post to get some opinions and ideas.

Through-out the second half of the semester I want to improve my blog posts to flow in order and post on time.  I want to upgrade my blog template and add some design.  I used from last semester for travel and adventure blog posts.  Overall I want to edit and revise my older posts if time permits. 

Virtue Status Update

Week 11 virtues

Self Discipline:  

This week’s virtue I am working on is self discipline in all daily activities and encounters with people.  I have good manners and values but it helps to improve them by being respectful to others. Continue to work on correcting my faults if there are any and take ownership to become a better person.   Incorporate self discipline to improve my daily to do lists or general productivity.