Wednesday, February 24, 2010

This ID Paper is gonna ID your Grade!!

The interdisciplinary essay has grounds of analysis on levels further than many classes as it surpasses the threatening Library Research Paper from Literature 1002. My essay will consume themes of the self which I believe is furthest depicted by the Archaic Greeks, and I will compare the culture to that of Hinduism. The artwork and the music all seem to mesh best with this topic and from what I know. The other essay I’m writing is going to be that of the nature of power and that’s seems to be right along track with the Romans and their ideals. This will be compared to be the culture of Classical Greece. In all fairness I guess probably the one thing that would have made all the students a little more confident was to see what a previous composed paper looks like. Of course though, it could raise skepticisms and plagiarisms. Because the most painful feeling about this paper is knowing that you have been literature removed for nearly two years, and let alone a three page written paper but just the thought and frolicking of hoping you have a good THESIS.
The midterm, I will have to say that it went exactly along the lines described, and statistics won’t lie. The hardest part I’m sure which is always and the quote recognition part. That was my weakest area, and it will show. I can’t say I read the entirety of every Lit piece but some of the quotes looked identical in fashion. That could come down to my total preparation or the fact that it may just be that hard. The remainder of the test seemed to go pretty well. It was all doable, I mean the worst that could happen is you leave a question blank. However, as for the future and the Final which in turn should be very similar to the midterm ill have a better grasp of the material.
Now, these essays, Let us Pray!!


Word Count: 328

Monday, February 15, 2010

Have I a Rabbi

Being in the synagogue seemed to be as a very warming and delicate feeling. The rabbi spoke of the numerous amounts of cultures coming together and becoming united and how special that event is. Considering that thought, it always brings strength between people when people accept those differences and view them in a manner to increase knowledge rather than ignorance.
The synagogue didn't leave a feeling of indifference being a christian as the expected feeling was to be one maybe closer in similarity to that of the temple. It did however have its personal iconic symbols and statues. One of the main differences was the Menorah and the doors located behind the pulpit. He showed the the prayer shawl that he was to wear when he is giving service. What stood out to me a lot were the scrolls in the doors behind the pulpit that contained the Hebrew Scriptures used in service. He explained how a person, a scribe would sit down for hours at a time and would write the scriptures in a feather pen.
Very important in Judaism is the basis of Jewish Law. This tradition was based on the first five books of the Torah, called the Five Books of Moses or Pentateuch. We were also told that there are two divisions of Jewish faith. Those two are Orthodox Judaism and Reformed Judaism. The Reformed branch is normally of a more liberal siding and believes that Jewish law should be a more general basis of law rather than the Orthodox believing it should be followed much closer to the tee.
Being able to receive a glimpse of this allowed me to further understand the traditions and values of the Jewish. It further allows me to respect their followings and what traditions are more important to them and also see what parts of their values i believe are better than mine as a Christian.

Word Count: 317

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Tying the Knots Knowledge between Art.

Since the start of class, we have read many pieces of literature, listened to many variations of music, and glared at many different forms of artwork. Of these three categories, the period that has made the largest impact on me as well as the one that I have furthest understanding in is Archaic Greece. This would include the epic poem by Homer, Iliad, the statue of Kourus, a fine warrior, as he looks battle in the eye, and walks forth. In music, it would be the sweet sounds of the odes sung with the backing of the Kithara such as the "Ode to Apollo", the sun god.
The Iliad, when it came to the Earth's ultimate warrior, and physical perfection, Achilles was the name roared. He was a man who sought glory. A man to be remembered forever, as he practically beat a nation with the swipe of his sword. Also written with the love he had for another individual and the respect he gained in the act of this beloved individual dying. The statue of Kourus, again a proud warrior ready and intense for battle as you see his first move is forward, not back. He also has his fists clenched as though fear just rubs off of him. A smirk, or a smile, indicating that he has promise in belief that he will win. Also, his fine toned and cut body, as though one of perfection and beauty that cannot be matched.
As I did in class I would like to focus on is harmony, clarity, and simplicity. I see these traits in the statue of Kourus such as, the tone of the body, simply states that this figure is enamored and highly respected. The movement in the piece shows pride, it shows bravery and confidence. In the "Ode to Apollo" the lyrics read may say a lot words, but it all boils down to basically, please, dear great Apollo, please show your light tomorrow so that we can see and we will further praise and honor you.
The power of love. I can do a lot to an individual. Make you do crazy things. This term is identified throughout the dealings of the different works of art. It shows vividly when Patrocles is killed and he is wept for by Achilles who is near a temperament of rage since hearing the news. It also evolves a realm of patience of Achilles. Love is shown in the statue, as you can see Kourus' engaging in battle with a small smirk of confidence. Lastly, the music shows nothing but love and some parts fear as they basically beg for Apollo to cross the skies with his chariot so they may see another day.

Word Count: 454