Week 4/18, and spring semester classes
Good evening! (Well, I suppose that depends on your time zone :)
After a few weeks of non-stop adventures, I had some much-needed downtime this weekend (my light wallet definitely reinforced that decision!). I spent my week solidifying travel plans, going to the gym, doing lots of homework, hanging out with friends, and making new ones.
In any case, I thought I'd do a quick round-up of the classes I'm taking while in London. I was a little concerned by my lack of choice in the matter; being in such a small and specific major often means very little wiggle room, especially when already limited by being abroad. However, I have, at worst, just mildly liked all of my classes and professors. And here they are!
Monday:
Human Development
This class is a joy! We learn about human development (duh) from zygote to adolescence, with particular focus on cognition and the psychology of learning. One component of this class is a weekly visit to a local secondary school. I will be spending Tuesday mornings in three consecutive classes at a local business- and art-centered academy. As term just ended and students have vacation next week, I'll start Tuesday the 25th, and I couldn't be more excited!
Global Orientations
A required class for all students new to NYU London, Global Orientations consists of a number of guest speakers discussing certain elements of contemporary British culture. A number of interesting trips are offered in relation to particular lectures, such as my incredible Kensington Palace trip last week, and a tour of Brixton next Saturday.
Tuesday:
Modern British Imperialism
This class focuses on defining and exploring the British Empire (1830+). There is a very good chance my professor is actually Santa's friendly British cousin, and he is on the advisory board for BBC History Magazine, which I find to be one of the most wonderful historical magazines available (their podcasts are second only to This American Life and The Moth; you can subscribe on iTunes, if you're interested!).
Wednesday:
Islam and the West
History Education majors are asked to choose a specialty, usually in the area they plan to teach; U.S. History is the most popular choice. Having been particularly infatuated with Middle Eastern History since junior high, I chose it as my concentration. This class was a wonderful and informative choice, and I feel quite lucky that I get to take it here, with such close proximity to the SOAS library and other abundant relevant resources.
Thursday:
Seeing London's Architecture
Tied with Human Development for the second best class I've ever taken, Architecture has led me to explore and learn about a huge variety of neighborhoods and areas in London. I was originally hesitant when I realized that sketching is a major component of this class, but after learning that almost none of the other students had any artistic experience either, I decided to stick with it. In our lovely professors words, "it's about developing your own sketching style and your ability to read a city." We get a guaranteed adventure every week - only our first and last sessions occur inside a classroom! We rendezvous at different spots all over the city and receive a lesson while walking and sketching, and I already feel that I have a much better understanding of London on the whole because of it!
Friday:
Lucky for me, classes only run Monday to Thursday. We do, however, have frequent events, day trips, and other outings planned on Friday (:
This Friday, I had two architecture sessions to make up for future holidays (holy sore feet, Batman!). A few pictures from our escapades...
Although I spent the majority of my weekend doing homework (gross!) I had a great time on Thursday and Friday night...
I hope everyone had a lovely and relaxing week!
Cheers,
Tascha
After a few weeks of non-stop adventures, I had some much-needed downtime this weekend (my light wallet definitely reinforced that decision!). I spent my week solidifying travel plans, going to the gym, doing lots of homework, hanging out with friends, and making new ones.
In any case, I thought I'd do a quick round-up of the classes I'm taking while in London. I was a little concerned by my lack of choice in the matter; being in such a small and specific major often means very little wiggle room, especially when already limited by being abroad. However, I have, at worst, just mildly liked all of my classes and professors. And here they are!
Monday:
Human Development
This class is a joy! We learn about human development (duh) from zygote to adolescence, with particular focus on cognition and the psychology of learning. One component of this class is a weekly visit to a local secondary school. I will be spending Tuesday mornings in three consecutive classes at a local business- and art-centered academy. As term just ended and students have vacation next week, I'll start Tuesday the 25th, and I couldn't be more excited!
Global Orientations
A required class for all students new to NYU London, Global Orientations consists of a number of guest speakers discussing certain elements of contemporary British culture. A number of interesting trips are offered in relation to particular lectures, such as my incredible Kensington Palace trip last week, and a tour of Brixton next Saturday.
Tuesday:
Modern British Imperialism
This class focuses on defining and exploring the British Empire (1830+). There is a very good chance my professor is actually Santa's friendly British cousin, and he is on the advisory board for BBC History Magazine, which I find to be one of the most wonderful historical magazines available (their podcasts are second only to This American Life and The Moth; you can subscribe on iTunes, if you're interested!).
Wednesday:
Islam and the West
History Education majors are asked to choose a specialty, usually in the area they plan to teach; U.S. History is the most popular choice. Having been particularly infatuated with Middle Eastern History since junior high, I chose it as my concentration. This class was a wonderful and informative choice, and I feel quite lucky that I get to take it here, with such close proximity to the SOAS library and other abundant relevant resources.
Thursday:
Seeing London's Architecture
Tied with Human Development for the second best class I've ever taken, Architecture has led me to explore and learn about a huge variety of neighborhoods and areas in London. I was originally hesitant when I realized that sketching is a major component of this class, but after learning that almost none of the other students had any artistic experience either, I decided to stick with it. In our lovely professors words, "it's about developing your own sketching style and your ability to read a city." We get a guaranteed adventure every week - only our first and last sessions occur inside a classroom! We rendezvous at different spots all over the city and receive a lesson while walking and sketching, and I already feel that I have a much better understanding of London on the whole because of it!
Friday:
Lucky for me, classes only run Monday to Thursday. We do, however, have frequent events, day trips, and other outings planned on Friday (:
This Friday, I had two architecture sessions to make up for future holidays (holy sore feet, Batman!). A few pictures from our escapades...
 |
| St. Pancras Hotel, right next to King's Cross Station (which we sketched) |
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| A row of stately houses overlooking Regents Park |
 |
| Casually eating my sketchbook out of frustration at rushed live sketches |
 |
| The Princess Louise, a gorgeous and quirky historical pub with gorgeous original Victorian architecture |
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| With NYU-discounted tickets in hand, some friends and I went out dancing on Valentine's Day at Pacha London |
Cheers,
Tascha
What an adventure! Thanks for sharing. Love always, Gramps
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