Link to Archive of Issues Bull Sessions - what happened to them?

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California State University, Dominguez Hills
University of Wisconsin, Parkside
Soka University Japan, Transcend Art and Peace
Created: November 9, 2001
Latest Update: November 27, 2001
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jeannecurran@habermas.org
Olivier at tapcourse@yahoo.com
takata@uwp.edu

Bull Sessions: What Happened to Them?

Journal entry by jeanne

Copyright: Jeanne Curran, Susan R. Takata, and Olivier Urbain: November 2001.
and Individual Authors. "Fair Use" encouraged.

At first glance Kasie and Ricky appear to be fussing at me. But that isn't really what they're doing. Both of them are reporting concepts they've learned in class and confusion that's disturbing them. It took me the better part of November to figure out what it was they were saying.

Long ago, when life was slower, we used to be able to just sit around and talk. Kasie is searching desperately for that, and not understanding that she is missing it because she never really experienced it. Neither did I, Kasie. But I know it used to exist in the dorms. People lived on campus then, and had time to talk about what they were learning. There's no space for that in the fast-paced context of the commuter school. Especially when most of us work and raise families.

I like Kasie's idea that an appointment would solve the problem. But I don't think it would. Do you have any idea how packed my office is most days? Hardly a bull session. First, I'm trying to grab two aspirin and catch my breath. Then I'm trying to focus us all on the writing that has to be done. Check out how lame my answer was. That's what I do when I don't know the answer: bull shit.

So where does the Bull Session go? How do we solve this?

Well, here's my take on it right now. What I have to say is largely going up on the site, so you all have access to it. If you'll check out what I have to say, then we can talk about it in class. I think today's classes in commuter colleges should use the incredibly valuable face-to-face time they do have on discussions. Lectures are a waste of time as a means of communication. Questions and answers arent' a waste of time, not if you guys will read the lecture stuff either before class, which I would purr for, or after class to pull it all together for you.

This semester we really made some strides towards having bull sessions. I enjoyed them, and I think most of you did, too. But we're not in practice. We're still searching for something that fits the old traditional classroom which really doesn't exist anymore, not even if we're willing to pretend it does. Our bull sessions have to accomodate people coming and going, people asking silly questions because they aren't used to what we're doing, me having a neckache, you being so tired you can barely keep your eyes open. But I'll bet they learned to cope with all that in the dorms in the old days. At least they did in the imaginary of my ideal dorms. And if I can dream it, we can do it.

Ricky, now, displays the tension and his search a little differently. He's writing a novel with me. I knew that would work! Lots of you are writing. And of course I fell behind. And now I'm having to write at breakneck speed. But we agreed I just had to get the first draft done, 50,000 words of it. I'm trying. And Ricky got behind, too. But you can read his commitment between the lines. Look at his subject line: "My absence." Guilt! But guilt imposed by his own commitment, not by structurally violent punishment.

But even Ricky can't stop looking over his shoulder for the structural violence that crops up so often now in learning. "Are we supposed to show you this novel on the 30th? Also, when are we supposed to have our books complete?" Ricky, Ricky. The novel is yours. You don't have to show it to me. The thrill of writing is its own reward. Look at the excitement you were feeling when you wrote "Stay tuned." That is learning. And that is the discipline of learning. The pure and simple joy of discovering that you can do it. And that it's fun.

You're showing another side of the same tension Kasie's referring to. I need to talk to you. And you do. But we need to talk when we can all come together face-to-face. You need to share your excitement with your classmates. Who knows what future Hemingway you'll turn on to writing novels. Tyron is still struggling with editing before he writes. I'll bet he never just tried writing for fun. Maybe your example will turn him on. He's got a lot of your enthusiasm, you know.

Bull session declared for next classes! Let's talk so we can write!

On Tuesday, November 6, 2001, Kasie Boone wrote:

Subject: EEK I just need a little help

hello Jeanne. my name is kasie and I am in all three of your classes that you teach. now I have gone through the website trying to figure out how I can really show you that I understand your information. I have emailed you weekly trying to tie in terms with what I have learned. What I need you to help me on is making sure that what I am doing is valid. I really do not want to keep emailing things that are not valid. I know that you are a busy lady, but I JUST NEED YOUR ASSISTANCE PLEASE.

Also, today in class you stated that you put up a topic on "how to get a "A". But you haven't put up there how a student is able to make a legitimate appointment with you. I would like some advisement and would love to be able to sit and talk to you on class situations. But we all know that students are overwhelmingly packed during your office hours. Can you please put up an insert on how to make a appointment or something relevant to that. thank you so much

kasie b.

On Friday, November 9, 2001, jeanne responded:

Kasie, can you come in at 5:30 after the Soc of law class or after the Transforming Discourse class? Frequently there are no students up there then. We're trying to open our Dear Habermas office, and you're right, it's often packed in my office. But we're not formal. If you can come in between 7 and 8:30 on tuesday or thursday, we're discussing theory. And you're welcome to join in those discussions. Earlier in the day, I'm on the computer, and we kind of need that time for me to get the site up. Let me know if one of these solutions will work. Also, look at the announcements for Week 12. (I'll have it up soon.) One of our thesis projects has taken on this problem, and we're trying out some solutions. See if that will help.

Gotta go put up the Current Issue for Week 12 now.

love and peace, jeanne

On Tuesday, November 27, 2001, Ricky Jones wrote:

Subject: My absence...

Hey Jeanne!

I hope your holiday weekend was restful and relaxing. My holiday, however, was not in the least bit relaxing or restful. I spent the majority of time traveling to visit relatives for the holiday. I never got a moment to even sit down at a computer until now.

I am taking today to catch up on my readings from the site, and also to work on my novel. It's coming along nicely so far. It's about college life, and what it means to this one person and his friend. It gives events of significant happenings over the past 3 1/2 years of the character's college career. Stay tuned.

I have a quick question before I go...Are we supposed to show you this novel on the 30th? Also, when are we supposed to have our books complete?

Alright Jeanne, I will see you on Wednesday...Peace.

Ricky Jones