2c California State Symbols

For the last segment of our California virtual field trip, I chose the California state symbols as my topic to research. There are countless symbols tied to the history of California. This connects with the study of humanities because the symbols used to represent different aspects of California tell many things about the culture and past of the state.

There are many different symbols associated with California, from manmade designs to the natural world. California's state beverage is of course, wine, due to the large number of wines produced there. The state's bird, insect, and mammal are the California Quail, California dogfaced butterfly, and grizzly bear, respectively, all iconic wildlife of the state. The California poppy is the state flower, and the sequoia is the state tree. California's state seal and flag incorporate these images as well, with both featuring the grizzly and other iconic imagery. California's state motto is "Eureka!" which translates to "I have found it!" Many of the symbols relate to the best and most memorable of California's past, bringing to mind the gold rush or the most intense natural wonders of the state.

I chose this topic because I think it is interesting how certain symbols have come to be associated with my state. I also was intrigued because I did not know some of the symbols that I found were linked to California at all. I've never heard a reference to our state butterfly, or California's very own tartan pattern, for instance. I wonder why Minerva, a Greek goddess, is part of California's state seal. I'd like to know more about how these became "officially" associated with California.

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_California_state_symbols

http://www.library.ca.gov/history/symbols.html

2b The Exploratorium

For the museum aspect of this "field trip," I chose the Exploratorium in San Francisco.

The Exploratorium is a "museum of science, art and human perception," that was founded in 1969 by Dr. Frank Oppenheimer. Housed within the Palace of Fine Arts, it contains many exhibits that incorporate art and science into interesting and educational presentations for children and adults. The Exploratorium's goal is to promote museums as informal education centers. There is a wide range of exhibits to explore, from seeing cells under a microscope at the Microscope Imaging Station, to the unique Wave Organ, an enormous acoustic sculpture by the bay that uses a series of pipes to convey the sounds of the ocean to listeners on shore.

I chose the Exploratorium because it's a museum I have been to many times. When I was a kid, my classes often went on field trips, and I always loved how they incorporated science and art in their exhibits.

I read the descriptions of many of the Exploratorium's current exhibits, but I'd like to know what plans they have for future displays and installations at the museum. One of the most interesting aspects of the museum is how they introduce new projects very often.

Investigating museums is closely linked with the study of humanities, because museums incorporate art, literature, music and other cultural values. By examining what is important enough to be space at a museum, you learn more about the the culture.

Sources:

http://www.exploratorium.edu/index.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exploratorium

2a Davis, California

I chose Davis, California as the place to research for this assignment. Davis is best known for its University of California Campus but it has a rich history, dating from its founding in 1868. The UC Davis campus was founded in 1908, and established as the "University farm school," a title that is still deservingly associated with the school today. Davis is well known as a strongly liberal city, and places an emphasis on environmental and social issues. One of Davis' most distinctive features is the number of bicycles on the streets; the city has worked to accommodate them and for many residents, bikes are the primary mode of transportation. Additionally, there is an unusual number of parks, and trees line the streets, keeping with the agricultural traditions of the area. The city is known for its small-town atmosphere, despite the large population.

Studying the history of Davis connects to the study of humanities, because understanding the history of a place relates to the current culture of the location. Understanding how Davis grew as an agricultural and college town helps one understand the current emphasis on environmentalism and student life that permeates much of the city's culture.

I chose Davis for this project as I will be moving there in a year for college. I wanted to learn more about the history and culture of Davis, since I'll be living there for a minimum of two years, and I don't know all that much about it. I'd like to know more about the student culture surrounding the university campus, and what student life there is like.


Sources:

http://www.city.davis.ca.us/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Davis%2C_California

One thing I learned from a classmate last week is that Dorothy Guaiardo is a psychology major. I can relate, because I like studying psychology and am hoping to get an associate's degree in psych before I leave the JC. I think psych relates very well to the study of the humanities because both topics help you understand more about people and their culture, by understanding their minds and the art and literature they create.

http://dollie69.blogspot.com/2008/06/week-1-project-1a-d-guajardo.html

Human 7 Assignment 1C

Alyce is working on her AA degree.  From her blog I learned that Freire's method of teaching was interactive between the teacher and student, rather than passive, and that it was called Praxis or critical consciousness.

http://alyces.blogspot.com/

Denya is majoring in Business Information Systems. From her blog I learned that Freire's concept was called "banking" and that it involved memorization and repetition.

http://dbeaudryhuman7.blogspot.com/

Human 7 Assignment 1B

-Paulo Freire was a Brazilian educator who studied philosophy and the psychology of language. Freire's work is stated as heralding a new attitude in Brazilian society, breaking away from the the archaic discriminatory policies towards the poor.

-Much of his life's work revolved around bringing education to the poor. He held several positions in the government regarding culture and teaching. He developed a method of teaching that allowed him to teach three hundred sugarcane workers to read in a short period of time, which would give them the legal right to vote.

-When a coup d'etat deposed Brazil's current government in 1964, Freire was arrested repeatedly a jailed for several months before seeking political asylum. Exiled from his country, he has continued to teach and travel the world, lecturing and advising about education.

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page

http://www.paulofreireinstitute.org/

Human 7 Assignment 1A

1.  My name is Meredith (Mer).

2.  I'm taking this class as a requirement for my transfer to UC Davis as a pharmaceutical chemistry major, and because it seemed like one of the most interesting of the social science classes offered.

3.  I live 7.3 miles from the JC main campus by car, about 9 by bike.

4.  From this course I'm hoping to get a good overview of the humanities, and maybe learn some new things about art and literature.  

5.  I've used some blogging services in the past, mostly to communicate with friends, such as as LiveJournal and Facebook.