In this course diversity of thought and self-awareness are explored through a challenge of new experiences that may move you slightly outside of your comfort zone and you are asked to reflect on the experiences. Each week you will challenge yourself and reflect on the impact of the experience; describe change in your perceptions, likes, dislikes, appreciation, discomfort. The journals are intended to reflect upon your journey over the course of the semester. This means that you will hand in thirteen typed personal journals for each week of class by the date designated in the syllabus. Your journals should be no more or less than one page each.
Each week try to reach beyond your comfort zone and engage in a new experience (IMPORTANT NOTE: physical and emotional safety and good common sense in choosing new experiences are important considerations). An example of a new experience may be to compare a perception that you have about a certain culture that you have little or no experience with, things you may compare to your own culture, include staple foods, values, beliefs... in this case you would create a journal entry that highlight the outcome of your experience or what you learned. For instance, why does the culture have a common or staple food, is it specific to the place of cultural origin, did your mind or perception change or remain the same (did you like, dislike or were your perceptions confirmed following the experience). This is just one example of endless possibilities. I urge you to explore and experience a variety of new things, stretch your brain muscles and your comfort zone as much as you reasonably and possibly can.