The final blog...

Age?
22

Sex?
Male

What is your degree subject (both if joint)?
History AND Philosophy

Does ‘Being Bad’ relate well to the other modules you are taking?
Certainly my other philosophy modules (or they relate to it). Not so much my history ones, directly anyway, but I like that – makes a change!

If so, how? And if not, why not?
The way we’ve been encouraged to think in this module ties in with the way we’re being encouraged to think in PH1105 – taking something far beyond face value. In terms my history modules that way of thinking is also integral, but not given so much focus. There were ties with ‘history’ in certain lectures on this module, but not with what I’m studying. But, as I said, that is a good, good thing, and I’ve enjoyed an awful lot ‘Being Bad’.

Have you found ‘Being Bad’ too demanding, too easy, or at an appropriate level?
The interdisciplinary aspect was challenging – as a history student the essay was fine, but the creative writing piece (or the alternatives) were a stretch, but probably not a negative one. I definitely think that aspect has made me work in a different way. Other than that, although in the end I enjoyed the blog, I would’ve preferred either a longer essay and just the blog, or a longer essay and an interdisciplinary assignment – the 600 words of the essay might be challenging to be concise, but the interest level of certain lectures could easily have provoked a much more in-depth response.

Do you think the list of topics covered on the module was appropriate?
All of them appropriate, as i think one of the messages of the module was challenging what we consider to be bad - anything is up for grabs. All interesting? No, but then that is a personal taste issue, and some we brilliant. And I'm a student, i have to take what I'm given :)

Are there any topics not included in the module that you would like to see included?
Gluttony or eating in general. So eating disorders as well. I did a post on Gluttony, and think an area that could be explored, and would probably provoke debate. Little delicate though.

Do you think that the format for classes has worked well?
Because of the modules content, i think there was no need for seminars, and the lecture format was great - as long as some areas were given over to audience participation, which most did, and that made up for the lack of seminar groups.

What did you think of the module team?
Overall, they were fantastic, I have to say that some of the lectures (thinking drugs, body modification, and few others) were some of the best i have ever experienced in any educational environment, and that really is a testament to the lecturers. Also, there was a lot of support, and Mark was always contactable, and made an effort to inform us of goings on through WOLF. So impressed.

Do you think it would have been better to have had more:
Small group discussions? No
Discussion and debate among the class as a whole? It differed from lecture to lecture - in some certainly.
Information and talk from lecturers? I can't think of a situation where i felt more input was needed from the lecturers. Most got it spot on.

The approach taken in the module is interdisciplinary (drawing on perspectives from English Literature, Film Studies, Creative Writing, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Media Studies and Politics): do you think this a useful way of approaching the topics covered in the module?
I think I've already answered that, and as a history student, not the best person to ask.

Do you think that interdisciplinary modules are a good idea?
Definitely, as long as they do not exclude people who don't do the other subjects included e.g by the type of assignments set.

Do you think you have benefited from the interdisciplinary approach taken in the module?
Again, probably have already answered, but it challenged me, and think positively.

Would you like to see more modules that cover this kind of subject matter?
Yeah, very interesting. A rare module that gives you interest, education and humour - a good mix.

Are you planning to take the follow-up module PH2004 ‘It Shouldn’t Be Allowed’ at level 2?
Yes.

Would you recommend ‘Being Bad’ to a friend?
Yes i would.

Do you think that the blogs (web logs) were a good idea?
As I've said, i did enjoy them, but it is more their relationship with the other assignment more than anything else.

What did you think of the other assessments (e.g. would it be better to have one longer assessment rather than two shorter ones?)?
I defiantly already answered this. But yes, i think there should be a longer assignment to the detriment of either the other one or the blog.

What have you learned from the module?
Certainly re-sharpened my critical analysis skills, and I've learnt a great deal (information wise) form the lectures themselves.

What parts of the module have you found most useful and why?
Not sure about this one - but probably the overall approach to what we were studying - making philosophy assessable.

What parts do you think were a waste of time and why?
Don't think there are any in particular, although i didn't enjoy some of the lectures, more for the style than content i think. But as i said, you can't have it all your own way.

Are there any other comments you wish to make regarding ‘Being Bad’?
Nope.

And that, amigos, is that.