20150620
Comparative Literature
Session #1
It’s my first time to be taught by Ms. Panda. I had no idea
whatsoever the kind of teacher she is, her methods and the way she handles a
class. Well, I was a little intimidated to be honest. I see her as this great English
teacher and I know for a fact that she’s very intelligent. She’s really young
yet had already earned her doctorate degree.
I did some reading the night before the class. Comparative
lit, as I understood from my reading is like World Literature. I also found out
that there are actual courses and degrees of this topic alone. Already I felt
the enormity of this subject. I will not pretend to know more than I do.
So in class, there are only six of us which makes us a
tutorial class. There are two new students, and the rest are old classmates.
The moment we formed a circle, Dr. Panda did not waste any time in doing her
job. She discussed topics, essays, and future readings, as well as the
requirements needed for the class.
Not having yet been her student, she thought I was one of
the new ones. She asked if they had already gone through Literary Criticism, as
it was sort of a prerequisite for Comparative Lit because we needed to readily
know the different lenses. She further discussed that we would be solely using
Post Colonialism as lens in the different literature we will be discussing.
I felt so small not knowing all these great writers from
countries that have experienced being colonized. Philippines is also a
colonized country but Dr. panda said that we would refrain from discussing
Philippine literature as she would like to give way for Advance Philippine Lit.
She asked us, amidst our busy schedules, if we still find
time to read. I excitedly answered that I have more or less read 30 books this
year alone, and then I realized they were all Young Adult fiction and not
canon. FML.
“Huwag na ‘yan…!” she said. (Don’t bother with that…)
Ouch. There, someone finally said it in my face. I have been
telling myself to read more classics instead of feeding my addiction to YA. But
I just kept putting it off, “Lemme just finish this one series…” and the next
thing I know, I have moved on to another series and another one… and it is
endless!
I have no regrets though, but I am ashamed of my lack of self-control,
which happens a lot. Why do I keep on doing this to myself?
 |
| This saying is a bit conflicting. |
I normally don’t write about too personal things, but let
this be a reminder to myself to at least practice balance and restraint.
