For Journal #2 Part 1:
After reading Small’s introduction to The Value of the Humanities I started to think about this aspect of being held accountable for the work that I have done. On a personal level, I do not think I could ever study anything but something that deals with the human condition and I feel that the humanities is able to ask serious questions about how we got to where we are now that both critiques and appreciates what the past has provided us with. To an extent I do fall into this category of defending the humanities out of just this basis of their existence – or more specifically, how Small starts her introduction by saying, “The humanities might ideally find justification simply in our doing them”. Nonetheless, coupling this idea of how to really explain what I will have done for four years and considering Durings arguments, I do think that it could be a bit lazy on my end to just say I feel compelled and enriched by doing this work.
To better sum up why I am so drawn to the humanities I would explain that they help me become better equipped to understand the things that I want to do – legal advocacy, writing, and politics. I think that by studying English, writing, feminist/gender theory and political science, I have been able to grapple with why others have found meaning in particular texts, theories, societies, etc. and piece together a more holistic context. Personally, I feel better knowing that the questions I have about society today are recursive throughout time and that there has always been someone wishing to better their life through writing, political theory, and pushing progress on. Professionally, I do think that studying the humanities improves essential skills that are lacking today in the work environment such as listening to others’ arguments or perspectives, knowing how to communicate effectively – especially in written form – and being more empathetic to those around me. Those five central claims that Small uses to frame her discussion of the value of the humanities are really intriguing because I do think there is a lot to be said on how connected happiness is to individuals, society, democracy and why these values have been so long-lasting.
Part 2: Part 2 may feel somewhat disconnected, but one of our course goals is precisely to create bridges from your academic study to your professional work. Write a brief description of the kind of work you enjoy doing and/or think you’re well equipped to do. In general, you want to think about the nature of the work, its specific responsibilities, the environment you’d work in, who you’d work with, and your qualifications and temperament/disposition
The work I have done within my humanities courses and what I love to do are working with texts of the past and find out why at this particular moment did this particular person decide to write, speak, etc. about a specific subject – how was it relevant to their time and goals and what can it provide to me in the struggle to understand the problems of the present.Within the contemporary sources I have worked with, having those deeper contexts to help bolster critical thinking about a work enables me to read with greater understanding. I believe that I am well equipped to form meaningful interpretations, organize and execute an argument in written form and write both critically and analytically about a variety of subject matter from literary such as novels, prose, poetry, works of criticism, archival
In the work I hope to do as a lawyer it is essential to be able to read efficiently while not at the expense of deeper meaning and to actively listen to what others are saying that is not always clear. Appreciating the narrative and power positions in play – to dig into the layers and subtleties of what others express. Collaboration is also crucial in the work I have done in English and Writing courses with workshopping, giving and receiving constructive criticism/feedback, and having a sense of responsibility for the work I have done and having experience in a practical professional setting. In a more experiential learning environment my skills acquired as a writing fellow is something I look to when I assess the various atmospheres I might work within in future such as legal writing.
