Student Comments on One FFC Section

“I am a firm believer of the notion that we can learn some of our most valuable lessons from each other. Other people are like the most incredible books; filled with experiences and wisdom that is unique to them.”

“Knowing who I am, I am surprised that I acted how I did in this class. . . . I learned what it was like to discuss something in a calm and rational [manner], to actually listen to other people’s perspectives, and to feel important in a group project.”

“The point of this class was to help us to start thinking critically, and that is what it did. By putting five people together and placing before them one topic or song, I got to step outside my comfort zone and see the world in a new light. I finally began to see myself as the ‘global citizen’ that Chapman keeps pressing that we become. I looked at issues from not only different people’s points of view but I started thinking about what other cultures might think. I looked through my own biases and saw things in a new light. That was the most eye-opening thing that I experienced in this class. And I am not sure I ever would have if I had not taken this class.”

“The issues we addressed and talked about were so intriguing to me and broadened my mind to new things I have never thought about. . . . Hearing [other’s] thought made me think about the topic in a different way that I hadn’t thought about before. Also, talking with the group we could build off of each others ideas to come up with our final conclusions to present to the class. . . . It was neat to see myself thinking differently and growing in how I think throughout the class. Each class and group discussion invoked different interpretations and insights that I had never thought about. I loved being able to think in such a new way and challenging myself to think differently, and more out of the box. So for me this class was very intriguing and thought provoking . . . . The class amazed me and I amazed myself.”

“When I talk to my Dad back home or when he e-mails me, he asks how classes are going but he always focuses on what new protest songs I’ve been hearing. I think my Dad would have loved to have a class like this when he went to school, because although he’s not a music major, he still loves history and fighting for rights, which is the epitome of a protest song.”

“Learning to question what you hear is essential to leading a successful life and participating in the modern democratic government of today’s America. I think this is truly what Protest Songs has led me toward. . . . I think this course was one more step toward becoming a more well-rounded and useful person.”

“I was able to learn a great deal about myself and how I work well with others, especially my new friends. I love to be independent, but at the same time, I had such a wonderful experience working with my group throughout the semester in Protest Songs.”

“We all feel that it is a citizen’s responsibility to question authority and stand up to injustice when necessary. This central idea allowed for general agreement in all of our discussions.”

“I am usually a very quiet person in my classes. I find it hard to speak in front of a lot of people. I wonder if people are judging me from what I say. I feel especially uncomfortable talking when my opinions might be different than the mainstream class opinion. I have not had a lot of experience in debate so I do not feel like I can adequately defend myself either. . . . In our small groups I found it much easier to talk about my opinions about everything from the songs that we listened to in class to contemporary political issues. I believe that because I felt comfortable with my group and the fact that they respected everyone’s opinion I was able to participate in our discussions. . . . When we presented our ideas to the rest of the class I felt comfortable talking, because I had my group behind me. I believe that my experiences with my group will help me be able to speak up more in classes in the future.”