The Art History course is one of those courses whose objective is to induce within students the skill of thinking critically. It enables the students to use their decisive making skills as well as analytical abilities. The course accomplished its goals and objectives by means of viewing works of art. Throughout the course, we learnt to study and observe different readings, videos, digital images, and research. The course was very interesting and involved different activities to help students improve their thinking abilities. We learn how to evaluate different works of art, analyze them critically. During the course, we explored different artistic expressions and their forms. Our teacher showed us different sculptures, paintings, architecture, each of them belonging to different historical context and culture.
The professor especially emphasized on the fact that we should not rush to make final opinions, conclusions, or judgments. In fact, we should critically analyze the situation, ponder over each of this aspect, and only then, we should come up with the result. It is just like the famous saying; we should not judge a book by its cover . In practical, this learning outcome of the course has great significance. In every phase of life, we have to make decisions, whether in personal or professional life. We should never decide in hustle; we should first consider its positive outcomes and negative consequences.
In my opinion, studying communication 101in the very beginning of the study program was a very good idea. The new entrants to university are usually always very shy. Therefore, inclusion of such a course in the curriculum is extremely important to make them assertive enough. The course was aimed to introduce basic requirements of business as well as interpersonal communication to students. It equipped us to communicate effectively in every phase of life and environment. Most importantly, the course boosted our confidence and developed our self-esteem. Apart from this, the course also told about the characteristics of an an audience. I think this was very important because it told us about the demands of different listeners. This helped to change our tone accordingly, and use respective tool, techniques, content, and quality of communication . Now, I know the difference between business communication and personal communication. Using the concept taught in this course, I can perform well in my office.
Another important activity of the course was to revise passages and make them effective in a way that they can be successfully deliver to its listeners. I learnt how to convince my listeners. In this way, I can use this now to persuade my clients about my product and services. Our vocabulary and knowledge were enhanced greatly. Delivering speeches in front of the entire class eliminated all types of anxiety and speaking phobia within us. This also improved our verbal delivery and fluidity. We were trained to deliver immediate speeches, as well. This improved our skills of brainstorming, critical thinking, and creative writing. The class curriculum included frequent meetings, group discussion, presentations and interview, and other activities to help us communicate effectively. Due to this course, I came to know about the importance of value of communication in life. The core objective of the course was to prepare students for the practical life, especially for the working years. The course told us about different communication barriers which result in many problems. Each learning outcome of the course helps in performing better especially in the workplace.
Bibliography
Nielsen, J. (2008). Effective Communication Skills: The Foundations for Change. USA: Xlibris Corporation.
Wing, R. (2011). Don't Judge a Book By its Cover. USA: Xlibris Corporation.
