I am a graduate student here at UWM and I'm working towards my Masters and certification in English education. I did my undergraduate work at the University of Iowa, where I double majored in English and History. I found these two subjects worked extremely well together and often helped flesh one another out as I worked. For instance, literature often provides a cultural insight to a period in history, or history can present context to the world of events taking place in literature. Hopefully this knowledge also helps me with future classes too.
The experience of history helping me engage further with literature (because I'm a huge nerd) also makes me wonder about ways that I could help my future students engage with texts that they otherwise would not read. Mostly, I'm interested in creating connections. The connections that have impacted me most are history and seeing places I've read about. The next step is helping students learn to make connections in their own ways.
Example: seeing the light post rumored to be C.S. Lewis inspiration for the entrance to Narnia.
That was such a smart idea to double-major in English and History, I bet it was a lot of work! I love the photo also, C.S. Lewis was an amazing man and was also friends with J.R.R. Tolkien and I am a big Tolkien fan.
ReplyDeleteYou're an English nerd and I'm a Spanish nerd! I completely understand what you mean about literature and history, because many, many Spanish lit authors do that too and I find it fascinating. Also, your picture is super pretty. I look forward to hearing more about your literature and history ideas.
ReplyDeleteNeat; history is something I wish I had studied more at some point in my academic career - in part because I'd be a more valuable team member for trivia night, but also for the reasons you mentioned; history can give greater context to literature. Sounds like you have a strong foundation of knowledge to teach from!
ReplyDeleteI was always strongest in English and History in school and I see no reason why both can't be intertwined with theatre. I hope we can talk more about how we can bring these subjects together with theatre!
ReplyDeleteWow, it is really awesome that you are pursuing your masters here at UWM. Are you from Iowa originally? Also, I think it's great that you are so well rounded through your majors- it will make you a great educator!
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