POLS 331: Intro to World Politics

This class looks at the policies and relations of nations from a political point of view. Foreign problems and factors of these problems are discussed as well as analyses of the situations. Being an International Studies major, this is by far one of the most important classes to take. Understanding foreign relations is provides clarity to many other aspects of the nation. The way a country is run and relates to other countries, especially the United States, is very relevant to the understanding the social and economic conditions of countries also. From this course I hope to gain a better grasp on Latin American politics. I know there is much corruption and turmoil and several of the Latin American countries, but I do not fully understand why there is so much chaos in this area of the world. My peers have said this class is very fascinating. Some of the professors are more engaging than others, but the material for the class is excellent. I have also heard that the class is rather rigorous, but definitely doable if you attend class regularly. I took a sociology class on the global social and economic problems are Latin America my sophomore year. This class opened my eyes to issues in the social and economic realms. Now when I take the politics class, I have a more well rounded comprehension of the countries as a whole, and not just in one aspect.

An Unsuspecting Will to Serve

A professor reflected on this pre-professionals blog and those of my class. One comment she said was "what caught my eye is how many of you feel a service-driven need related to your career--you want to help people. That is quite notable (and very opposite to that reading on narcissism!)." To me this statement is loaded with criticism, challenge and compliment. First of all, and probably the least notable of those three is the criticism I noticed. Earlier in the semester we read an article about our generation being narcissistic. I find this to unfair and false assumption. But with regards to the rest of my professor’s comments, it pleases me to see that our generation seems to be disproving society's thought about us being narcissistic. Secondly, this comment is a huge compliment. To be called notable is not to be taken lightly. The college-aged is often stereotyped and viewed a radical stage in life. Though everyone experiences it, many do not take this age seriously and tend to overlook their opinions. But for a professor to recognize our efforts and potential is such a rewarding feeling. That being said, I take this compliment as a challenge. It is a challenge to continue to believe in myself and my generation, which will rise to success and serve this world and not ourselves. We are a generation of technology and opportunity to reach others like none before. I believe, as a generation, we recognize this valuable chance to do something extraordinary. For me, I want to take my skills and go to South America. I want to use my talent for knowing another language to educate those in Spanish and teach them so that they may in return help themselves and help others. Overall, I want to serve, using all my resources I have been blessed to grow up with. I want to continue to break this narcissistic idea of our generation and continue to look at others and ways to help them.

Virtually Teaching to Really Teach

What is the best way for me teach certain subjects? How will students react if I present something in this way? Will this strategy be effective?

All these questions could be answered in the classroom, the real classroom. I could use a real class through some trial and error methods of teaching. But why would I do that if I can use my virtual life and virtual students to test out teaching methods. Not only can I interact with students and get their opinions, but I can also get advice from other teachers. And the great thing is I can do all this NOW! I don’t have to wait until I have a teaching career underway. I can begin developing great teaching methods and coming up with creative ways for students to learn even while I am still a student myself. Websites, like Second Life, create so much opportunity for users for the betterment of their careers. It’s a choice one has to make, if they rather better their virtual life or their real life, but if the latter is chosen many fields will be improved. Education is always looking for the best and most effective ways to help children learn, and this provides and excellent opportunity for just that.