Midway Reflections

Midway through our course exploring the artwork of Africa, the Oceania and the Americas my main considerations are largely the same as they were at the beginning of the course, though the biggest shock to me is the way the art reverberates throughout the entire communities they represent. This was made most clear to me in observing the videos of the Zuni dances and the other Native American art work examples, though this reflection became clear that it applied to all the various types of art work that we have studied thus far. These communities have woven the artwork into their lives and it is an intrinsic part of who they are as a people. I don't know that there are many types of art work we have in this day and age that would compare, though there could be some arguments for digital arts, etc.

As for the other elements of the course, it is very eye opening and interesting to watch the concepts others argue when we are asked to take a stance on a topic. I find the other arguments well made, and they help me see other view points and at times will help change my mind, this is one reason why I really enjoy the online learning environment. I've found online that most students are very respectful of other's opinions and also work very hard to clearly express their own opinions and stances. In doing so, they make their arguments clearly and respectfully, which I greatly appreciate.

As for the most interesting areas we have studied - I greatly enjoyed the concept that there were so many different groups in such relatively close quarters in Africa - especially according to the maps that were shown in the text. It is fascinating to see how different the communities can be even though they were quite close physically. I am also always very interested to see things that are distinctly Native American, as it is "closer to home". It is fascinating to see how things were such a relatively short time ago (in relation to some other subjects - I am currently also studying Earth Sciences that talks in terms of billions of years, instead of hundreds like our Native American history does).