This is one of the last classes I’m taking as part of my undergrad, and I’m really glad I took it. For the longest time, I pushed to fulfil my literature requirement because I struggled with reading. I used to enjoy it a lot, then stopped, and part of me struggled to get back to it. Not going to lie, initially, my attitude towards the course was mostly “there’s so much to read”, but within the first two to three weeks, I felt it change. Instead of that mindset, I actually would look forward to what was next and the discussions we would have in class. I think a game-changer was that we discussed what we were reading. Usually, I’ll read things on my own and keep any learning or thoughts to myself, not really engage with them beyond that, but this course showed me how much more we actually can engage through conversation and collaboration with like-minded people. I also became more aware of how several themes overlap across texts, especially those of identity, memory, etc. and how differently each writer approaches them. I feel like even when texts were very different, there have been many little connections that we realize through discussions in class.
Honourable mention, I also think the classroom environment that Jon curated also didn’t really make us feel any less if we didn’t quite understand a text because of the way it was written, or we had different views from our classmates. More so, it showed me the beauty of dissecting a piece of text from different perspectives and understanding that no one’s perspective is incorrect or correct. My favourite text has to be Norman Manea’s The Trenchcoat because it was one that captured my attention quite instantly. I think the ambiguity throughout piqued my interest a lot. The space for readers to think and curate their own interpretations instead of being told clearly what it is I think, is something new, but yet too intriguing to me. While it is my favourite, I also really enjoyed Time of the Doves for a very similar reason.
Overall, this course really helped me rediscover the happiness I find in reading. I feel way less pressure and tension around it now, which I was struggling with initially. More so, it changed the way I approach literature, I’m way more open to difficult texts, see more perspectives and am more able to sit with the discomfort and uncertainty rather than looking for the ‘right’ meaning or perspective. Graduating this month, I think the class actually gave a very fitting ending to my undergrad experience, doing things that challenge me and push me outside my comfort zone.
It was lovely reading everyone’s posts throughout the sem, truly leaving me inspired! Last question, I’d like to ask you all is how this course has influenced how you approach reading? I’m very curious. Lastly, a massive thank you to the entire teaching team!