Semester Two Modules

Semester Two Modules:

Oh, the module. How does one define it? One couldn’t possibly equate a module with what the American student calls class. Class is a duty, an occupation. Class meets regularly. Class is tedious and is endured only when one is properly armed with starbucks and sodoku. A module is different. It goes by ‘guidelines’ rather than a ‘code’. Lecture is the occasional trail marker in the journey that is UK study. Forget 16 plus hours a week, for a module you need not see your professor more than two hours in seven days. And rather than a course pack and text book, the pupil will receive no more burden than a friendly ‘suggested reading list’ which they are free to browse at their leisure over the course of the semester.
But freedom of individual study was not all that was in store for yours truly. Just get a load of my module list. This semester I’m taking Twentieth Century Crime Fiction, and for Art History British and American Visitors to Italy (and yes, you counted correctly, that is only two courses). I don’t know how it is legal to give people credit to study things that they would do for pleasure, but there you have it! For my Crime Fiction course, I’ve already read Agatha Christie, Dorothy Sayers, Dashiell Hammet and Raymond Chandler. Discussions and debates in this module are like fighting over which is the better ocean, the atlantic or the pacific (seemingly ridiculous and completely enjoyable). Currently, my research is on masculinity portrayed by Lord Peter Wimsey versus Philip Marlowe (see what I mean)?! The art history seems to have been created particularly for Audrey Diane. I’m studying how 18th century travellers received Italy. Basically, I’m reading amazing literature by Forester and James, looking a gorgeous art, and reliving my summer in Milan. Much of our focus is the philosophy of the traveller, which I feel well equipped to study. Needless to say I’m being cured of my senior-itus.
I’m still really loving my time here. St. Andrews is a dream as always. However, my thoughts have been increasingly turning to the dark obis of my blank future. Right now I have… let me see…oh yes..no idea what I’m going to do once I graduate. I feel that it’s not something to worry about, but if you think of it please pray for my wisdom in the matter.

Love to all as always!