The Importance of a Name

Before we are even born, most of our parents spend months deciding on what we will be named. Names are important because they distinguish one person from another. Not only does the name of a person distinguish them from another, but I also found that the name of one person's blog separates them from another person's blog.
In September when I made this blog, one of the first things asked was to create a name/title for my blog page. At the time, I was not thinking creatively (of course this has changed due to the exposure of theory) and decided to tentatively name my blog "Melissa's Blog on Theories." It was not until my recent post, entitled "Backtracking," where I have finally come up with a permanent title for my blog. In my last post, I stated that because of the Christmas Holidays, I may begin having withdrawals from theory and therefore will have to get a weekly dose of theory from occurrences that happen in my real life. Then it hit me, like a ton of bricks .....
"A Dose of Theory"

Backtracking

WOW! I cannot believe that we have completed 1/2 of literary theory .... and I managed to survive!!
Over a month ago, I had blogged about the Sleeping Giant and the song contest. As of November 23rd, the results were posted on http://www.cbc.ca/radio2/songquest/. The Sleeping Giant along with other locations such as Grand Bend, Picton, Toronto, and Algonquin Park were all nominated to have someone compose a song about the location. Unfortunately, the Sleeping Giant did not win the contest. The winner was Algonquin Park and a song by Hawksley Workman is being composed at the moment. Viewers are able to listen to a sample of the song on the website listed above and are also able to purchase the tune on iTunes. Also, for those of you who read this post, the winners of each province and territory are also available to listen to. Go Check It Out!!
In regards to the assignment on Psychoanalysis, to me, it was the most challenging assignment out of the 5 written this semester. On a positive note, it was also the best mark I have received! ... Strange how things turn out in the end
Last class yesterday! WOW cannot believe how fast this semester flew by. Looking back on the first day of theory, everything seemed so complex and frustrating (I managed to not pull out all of my hair) ... although I still do have some of these feelings.
I have learned so much this semester and look forward to January. I might actually start having withdrawals from theory over the Christmas holidays! To get a weekly dose of theory, I will be on the lookout for examples of theories in the real world!
Happy Holidays!! :)

Just a Few Random Thoughts

Okay so over the past week or so, I have had a few random thoughts that I would like to express on my blog. Firstly, there is a carton of Tropicana orange juice in my refrigerator. After learning all about the process this juice goes through before it can be put out for the consumers, I can no longer drink it! Next, I really enjoyed last week's lecture (November 12th). As a visual learner, the video clips helped me undertstand the uncanny. Also, I enjoy when a professor changes up a lecture. For me, a stereotypical lecture consists of the professor standing behind a podium and talking. By doing something different, it is easier for me to remember what was taught that day. Lastly, the psychoanalysis assignment ..... UGH! For myself, I struggled a lot with this assignment and found it the toughest of the four that have been written thus far. On a more positive note, only one more assignment to be written before the holidays!!!

Keep on Dreaming

The strangest things happen to me in my dreams. If I think about something before I go to bed, I tend to have a dream about it. So last night, I had a dream that I met Taylor Swift at the Superstore. ... I know, very strange. Anyways I will first let you know how my day went. Yesterday afternoon, I actually did go to the Superstore to pick up a few groceries for supper. Maybe this is how the place in my dream was established from. After supper, I decided that I was going to take my guitar out of its case (it's been there for about 3 years) to see if I could remember how to play. After realizing that I remembered a few of the basics, I started searching Taylor Swift guitar sheet music online. I was only able to find brief parts of the songs but have decided that I'm going to buy the book at a music store very soon. Okay so it doesn't stop here. Before I went to bed, I listened to a few songs by Taylor Swift. So that night, I had a dream I met her and then went to her concert (I actually am going to her concert but have a long wait since it isn't until May) Strangely enough, I remember waking up after my dream and thinking that this is what I was going to blog about Sunday morning.
Sweet Dreams!!

Analyzing Psychoanalysis

Firstly, I would like to say that our TA did a great job teaching the class on psychoanalysis. I really enjoyed how she made it easier to understand and listen to by using real life examples just like our class discussion on Tuesday regarding the Tropicana orange juice. My favourite would probably have to be applying the conscious, preconscious (superego), and unconscious (id) to an iceberg. I found last week's classes less intense because the real life examples used were easier to follow and understand than focusing on a poem.
Aside from our lecture, Klage also gives a great overview of psychoanalysis. Although I have already learned about Freud and psychoanalysis in Intro psychology, Klages chapter was a well needed recap for myself. Overall, last week's classes have made it to my list of top 5 best lectures this year!

Procrastination

After many hours of frustration and procrastination, I have finally printed off my deconstruction assignment!! Although I felt that this assignment wouldn't be too hard to write, I felt that I had so many ideas but could not find the words to express my ideas. Part of our lecture (not 100% sure on the day) was devoted to methods was devoted to being frustrated and about the importance of difficulty. I found that many of the things I do when trying to write an essay were on the checklist ... not good qualities. My main was PROCRASTINATION. I felt that since I had a lot of time to write this essay, I put it off longer than opposed to last weekend when I never wasted any time because I had so much to do including studying for midterms plus writing essays. In a weird way, when I am bombarded with a heavy workload I feel that I work better! but of course I am not complaining about the minimal work ... especially after looking at what has to be completed by the end of the semester ... aaahhhh

Deconstruction

Hello fellow bloggers,
So sorry for the late response .... its been a hectic week for me :S
Last week, DECONSTRUCTION!! I have to say I really enjoyed this lesson and the reading was understandable. The recap on Tuesday's class did wonders for myself as it was nice to see how everything ties in together. The recap has prepared me for my third assignment and im actually anxious to start writing (I guess I should start soon since it's due in less than a week). I find it interesting that although we have already done a paper on "Anecdote of the Jar," this poem can be looked at from several different theories. I feel that with the familiarity of this poem and the specific guidelines, writing this essay shouldn't be too bad. So off I go to write assignment #3!!

The Sleeping Giant

After forcing myself to get out of bed this morning, the first place I went was to my kitchen to read the Sunday newspaper. Already, an article on the front page caught my attention entitled "Sleeping Giant in running for song contest." The Sleeping Giant was nominated for this contest because it is one of the most popular places in Ontario. The voters will have the chance to vote for their favourite location and also the 13 singer-songwriters who will have the opportunity to write and record the songs! More specifically, since The Sleeping Giant has been nominated, Thunder Bay is asking everyone to go online www.cbc.ca/radio2/songquest and vote! Voting will run until next Friday. The 13 artists will be revealed on October 26 and they will immediately begin writing their songs. Finally, the moment you have all been waiting for (drum roll) ..... On November 23, the winning locations and songs will be announced! For all of you who read this post, go out and vote for The Sleeping Giant!!!

Great Interruption

At the beginning of class when we were told about this interruption, I became very curious. As hard as I tried to think about what it could be, my mind was drawing blanks. Then at 12:30 there was a knock at the door. Shortly after, 4 people including our professor stepped in wearing bright orange jumpsuits. Not only did the jumpsuits catch me off guard, but so did the toolbox, megaphone, pylons, books, and a stop sign entitled "Random Acts of Poetry." After hearing their purpose, I was not as startled. I really enjoyed listening to the poetry and liked the way in which it was presented. This creative idea made me want to listen more and feel that because of its uniqueness, more people including those in dog parks, would also want to listen. When I got home after school, I checked my facebook. I had a new request and it turns out that one of my friends had invited me to the event "Random Acts of Poetry." I RSVP'd as attending since I had already attended one of their performances earlier that afternoon. Here is a schedule of where they will be tomorrow
Route #7: Sat. Oct. 10th / 12 to 3 p.m. / “Central Shop & Coffee
”POETS: Sara Mackie, Holly Haggarty, Mike Luce, Rian Riot & Renee Terpstra.
· 1st stop Outside Farmers Market on CLE grounds (between 12 noon & 12:30 pm)·
2nd stop Starbucks Coffee – in Chapters Bookstore (between 12:30 & 1 pm)·
3rd stop Random Stop(s) (IDEAS Marina Waterfront Park, or outside Hoito-Bay. St, or Waverley Library) (btw. 1 & 2 pm)·
4th stop LU Radio 102.7 FM - “Betty Howls” with host Lisa Ferris (listen in! @ 2:30 pm sharp)
Check it Out!!

Interpreting Interpretation

I really enjoyed this week's class on interpretation. In everyday life, people ask themselves the question "what does it mean?" I am also guilty for saying this phrase, but Susan Sontag's article made me realize that sometimes things should be left as they are. I also believe that sometimes interpretation is taken too far. Aside from the examples mentioned in class this past week (which I found very humourous), I have noticed that the media targets many children, especially in Disney movies. Disney movies which are meant to entertain children, have been picked apart by many people because they now have a whole other meaning. Does this mean that parents should not let their children watch these moveis anymore because they are sending a bad message? Susan Sontag would more than likely say to let kids be kids because they are enjoying what is in front of them instead of always try to find another meaning. To end this post, I will now go and INTERPRET The Anecdote of the Jar

Creating a Relationship Between Reader and Writer

Terry Eagleton's Introduction: What is Literature? made my brain hurt! I felt that Eagleton delivered too much information on the names of works and their authors. Finally after completing this reading (which felt like forever), I opened up my green book, "Literary Theory: A Guide for the Perplexed" and began reading chapter one.
Already, the first page was easier to understand than Eagleton's chapter one. Mary Klages writes about her own experience with literary theory. I was impressed on how she created a more personal relationship with the reader. To me, it is important to have that connection with the writer in order to understand and enjoy what is being read. Also, many of the things she said reminded me of my first day in Dr. Pound's class!

First Time Blogger

This is my first time blogging and like Dr. Pound said it took me about 30 seconds to get it all up and running. Today I went and photocopied the reading material for Tuesday's class ... looks like this is going to be a fun weekend filled with learning.