English 320 Blog

  My Experience as an Online Student: The Pros, Cons, and Lessons Learned A few summers ago, I enrolled in an online HDFS course. At the time, I thought it would be the perfect way to earn credits while still enjoying my summer. The flexibility of an online class was appealing because I could study at my own pace, complete assignments from the comfort of my home, and avoid the rigid schedule of an in-person class. However, I soon realized online learning has its own unique set of challenges. What I Liked About the Class One of the best things about my online HDFS course was the ability to work ahead. I liked being in control of my learning schedule, especially since I had a summer job. The recorded lectures were a lifesaver because I could pause, rewind, and review them as needed which is something I couldn't do in a traditional classroom. The discussion boards also provided an interesting way to interact with classmates, allowing me to read different perspectives on different topi...

  The article The McDonaldization of Society , Simply Psychology presents an insightful analysis of sociologist George Ritzer's concept of "McDonaldization," which refers to the process by which the principles of the fast-food industry, particularly those seen in McDonald's, come to dominate other sectors of society. Ritzer's idea that efficiency, calculability, predictability, and control are increasingly shaping the way modern societies function is both thought-provoking and relevant in today’s world. The article does a good job of breaking down the core principles of McDonaldization and applying them to various facets of life. For example, it explores how the quest for efficiency in fast food has spread to industries like education, healthcare, and retail, making systems more streamlined but also often impersonal. One of the key points is how McDonaldization leads to a world where people are treated as numbers rather than individuals, and quality is often sacri...

Welcome to my English 320 blog! In this course, we’ll explore various texts and ideas related to what we learn throughout this class. This blog will serve as a place to reflect on our readings, share insights, and engage with the material more informally. As we work through the course, I hope this space will help me further understand the content and provide an opportunity for deeper reflection on the topics we discuss. Throughout the semester, I’ll post about key themes, ideas, analyses of the texts we cover, and my general thoughts. These posts will help us process what we’re learning in class and allow for some exploration beyond the traditional classroom setting. I plan to discuss both the broader implications of the material and specific aspects that stand out to me as I continue to engage with the coursework. I look forward to using this blog to track my progress throughout the semester. Please feel free to check back for new posts as we move forward in the course. I hope this wi...