Hi guys! Wow, it's been a while since we've last published an actual article, huh? But we're back! Probably not for that long, but still.
Here's the haiku for this article (sponsored by Remy McMeekin):
Soon we will go forth
Away to our new life's dream
Goodbye and good luck!
Thanks for that, Remy! It's true--we seniors will soon be gone...What do you think about that, Joe?
...Joe? JOE WHERE ARE YOUUUUUuuuu
Ah, pardon me. Anyway! Last time Joe and I worked on an interview with Professor McCargish and her History of Medicine elective. This time, it's an interview with Professor Baxter and her two electives, American Film, Music, and Society and Foreign Policy!
What was your goal in creating your American Film, Music, and Society elective as well as your US Foreign Policy elective? Why did you create these courses?
My goal in creating both the U.S. Foreign Policy and American Film, Music, and Society electives was to increase the diversity in the humanities coursework available to our students. Additionally, these are two areas of interest for me, so I really enjoy teaching these courses.
Mhmm. The world sure is complex.
At least the food is good.
How many students take your classes, and what do you think they enjoy the most about it so far? What do you think they will enjoy the most later on?
The U.S. Foreign Policy course currently has 14 students enrolled, while American Music, Film, and Society has 15. For Foreign Policy I believe the students have enjoyed their first debate the most so far. While I expect the formal debates to continue to be popular, the individual presentations at the end of the semester are also usually a highlight. Through these presentations, the students are able to share with their classmates a foreign policy action and/or event that has greatly interested them.
As for the Film, Music, and Society class I believe the students have most enjoyed sharing and discussing songs they've felt have reflected social issues and events. Hollywood's risque Pre-Code Film era was also a fun period of study for the class. In the remaining half of the semester I believe the class will most enjoy learning about the influential music and films of the 1960s, as well as sharing their individual projects based on 21st century music and film.
What do you enjoy the most about your class?
In the Foreign Policy course I most enjoy the interaction of the formal debates and informal discussions. I am particularly interested in my students' views on major issues/events, because OSSM's students are the future leaders of our nation and world.
The part I enjoy most about the Music and Film course is being able to share socially influential songs and films with the class, which in many cases they've never seen or heard before.
Back in the good old days, eh?
Any classic movies or songs that you miss?
How did you think your class was going to go this semester, and how has it gone so far in reality?
Other than changing current events, since this is my third year teaching U.S. Foreign Policy I generally knew what to expect. With American Film, Music, and Society being in its first year I was not sure what to expect. However, I've been especially pleased with my students' interest and participation in the course.
Are you offering it next year as well? If yes, tell us why students should take it!
Yes, I am hoping to offer both courses again next spring. Students interested in government, international relations, and debate should certainly consider taking the U.S. Foreign Policy course. While the basic format of the course remains the same, the ever-changing world of current events leads to dynamic debates and discussions that differ from year to year. It is definitely a class that allows you to build better critical thinking skills and express your thoughts on issues that matter.
Students with an interest in music and film will likely enjoy taking American Film, Music, and Society, because it allows students the opportunity to take a closer look at an area of history that is often overlooked in traditional history courses, utilizing song lyrics and motion pictures as primary sources. In many ways, it is also somewhat of a sociology class, since we examine the interaction between society, music, and film.
Thank you so much for your answers, Professor Baxter!
I may be a bit biased, but I think American, Music, Film, and Society is better ;)
Thank you all for reading, I hope you enjoyed!
Ending art card by our very own Kelsy Fu! That's me!
It's not related to the article because I'm unprepared for all things.
Pictured above are the horrible original sketches with horrible lighting of AIDEN during his planning stage.
Honestly I liked design 3. What about you guys?
Feel free to send in art if you'd like us to showcase it.