For those interested in history and English, this FSEM is perfect. Throughout the semester, we discussed disturbing, controversial, and strange writings from all areas of the globe. We then connected them to historical events and modern ideologies. The course purposely throws a large load of work upon its students as a means of teaching prioritization and time management. As a biomedical science major on the pre-med track, this class was painful. I wanted clear rubrics and detailed instructions; I got open-ended assignments and free-range discussions. However, it was important for me to get out of my comfort zone one final time before promising myself to the science field.
Certain works within this course deserved much more attention from our class; others were a waste of time. I suggest fully reading The Turner Diaries as it had such a profound impact on society in the form of violence. Personally, I found it the most interesting work of the semester and I feel it gives the best opportunity for students to fully understand “forbidden” texts. I would not include The Satanic Verses; students failed to connect with the book and it lead to a dull discussion. I would suggest reading Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov to further discuss child pornography and sexual tendencies.
Overall, the course is interesting and unique. While it may not have matched my own personality, it is a course worth keeping alive and sharing with future UMW students.