I have thought a few times in the last week or so that I should write another reflection on what I am learning here, but then there is always something else to read or think about or do and so I haven't. In the future, there may be a discussion of Thomas Hobbes, who I, like many, greatly misunderstood and underappreciated until recently.
The theme of worlds from words continues to play out, which pleases me to no end. I've also enjoyed hearing from a small number of people regarding their thoughts on the subject. (I promise your perspectives are still ruminating in my mind and a response is in the works.) In addition, we have added themes on humanity and natural law and wholeness to the mix. There are times when my head actually hurts from concentrating so hard on the task at hand, but it's a good feeling, to be thinking so much and so deeply.
This weekend I took a break from the deep thought, though, and Brian and I had a great time vacationing as it were. It goes without saying that I was thrilled to see him when he got to campus, but I'll say it anyway: when he got out of the car I was shaking, I was so excited and relieved (for lack of a better word). It was smart of him to plan his trip in the middle of my trip; as sad as I was to say good bye to him (again!) this morning, it helped to think it is only twelve more days until I am home.
Friday we went up to Griffith Park Observatory for an amazing view of the city, which truly sprawls in a way that both amazes and disgusts me and had dinner with friends of his. Saturday we took the top off the Jeep (man it's a good thing we're both college educated and relatively quick - you wouldn't think it'd be so tough) and drove up to Malibu. It sounds cliche, perhaps, or not really worth it, but I think that if you have the chance to take such a drive in any sort of convertible, you should. There is something truly awesome (as in, I was full of awe, not as in "like, totally awesome!") about driving through a canyon, looking up and seeing nothing but blue sky, clouds and mountains. Not to mention the vast horizontal vista it allows you. Seriously, it was probably my favorite piece of the trip. After a sidetrip to one of the beaches north of Malibu, we headed back into LA where Brian introduced me first to the best ice cream sandwich ever (really, why don't more places go into the business of selling homemade ice cream sandwiches?!) and then to the biggest, most expansive music store I have ever seen. Check out Diddy Riese and Amoeba Records, respectively, if you're in the area and either appeal to you. Sunday was kind of lazy - checked out a museum, Transformers (just as good the second time) and had a big dinner - and ended back in my dorm room (poor Brian, the beds here are not comfortable and certainly not if you're over 6 feet).
Tomorrow is our big writing assignment. We had to select an excerpt from one of the texts we've already read/discussed that we believe is "world making." That is to say, a piece of text (no longer than 400 words) that offers either a fundamental idea/theory or a shift of perspective/seeing of the political world. We will then spend three hours tomorrow recreating this text into three new forms (we have thirty forms to choose from, none particularly easy). After much revision and discussion and thought, I have selected a section of The Federalist No. 39 by James Madison wherein he gives a new definition of "republic" and explains how the United States' Constitution conforms to this new model. I'm thinking my new forms will include a concept map, a juxtaposition with Cicero (if I can find the right selection in Cicero) and an illuminated text, but who knows how that might change tomorrow. I'll let you know.
For now, I'm afraid, it is time for bed. I probably have so much more to say, but I'll leave it at this for now. Oh, and, new photos are up on Facebook. Check it out! If you don't have your own account, click here to see them; you'll miss out on the comments people make, but I suspect you'll survive.
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