This next post is on a much lighter note than the previous one about the March 2011 tsunami. This one is about my life! So probably a much less interesting post...
But basically my life over the last four months since the Christmas break has comprised of essays and deadlines! Third year is definitely a lot more work, and the level of dedication and intelligence required of us is higher. But I'm still enjoying it so that's got to be a good thing!
I had a Modern Japanese History essay about the role of the West in Japan's modernisation process in for last week, and that went okay, I think! This Easter I have a Creative Writing (my elective subject) portfolio to submit for my final piece, and a Critical Approaches to East Asian Studies essay about missionaries. So the topics I'm studying cover a wide range of information, which is good. Variety definitely helps when you're studying a subject in depth.
The problem is that I'm working at Cadbury World again this Easter, so I have very little free time! And two weeks after the essay deadlines I have three final exams, which will be tough.
But after that I'm free for the summer from the end of May! I'm hoping to do a bit of travel before working over the summer holiday. I want to see some places closer to home while I have the free time without commitments, otherwise I might never see them! I still haven't been to Ireland, and it's right next to me! Places I'm hoping to visit include Amsterdam and Greece, but we'll see if those plans come to fruition. It all depends on money I suppose.
Anyway, I suppose I should get back to my Creative Writing piece! Wish me luck...
Showing posts with label essay. Show all posts
Showing posts with label essay. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Third Year; Semester One
It's Christmas! Or, nearly Christmas... It's the Winter Solstice, so I'm sitting here at 4pm watching the sun disappear behind the snowy buildings. And snowy it is! The UK's winters seem to get more severe with each year.
But anyway, the point of this post is to say that I've finished Semester One of my third year back at Leeds. I still have exams and essay deadlines in January when I go back, so there's no rest for the wicked, but teaching has finished until late January when Semester Two officially starts.
The first Semester has gone well overall, with lots of work! It's definitely a step up from first year, which seems like a fluffy carefree dream right now.
It's not even the Japanese side of the course which is causing the stress, although it is hard work of course, it's that coupled with the pressure of exams and essays for other modules. I'm certainly finding it difficult to balance everything.
In terms of Japanese, we have been doing listening, discussion and reading exercises aimed at improving our general Japanese ability and confidence.
The biggest problem that students seem to be facing is the range of abilities that people have come back from Japan with. Some people are finding the grammar etc. too difficult, and others too easy. I myself think it's the right level for me. It's a blend of revision ('review', for American English speakers!) and new things, so I'm finding it useful.
It's great being back at Leeds in general, being able to see my friends around campus is a great feeling, and I love the atmosphere of studying at a British Uni, even if it is freezing!
Well, I better get back to my essay! I'm looking forward to Christmas - I need an excuse to stop for a bit!
Merry Christmas to everyone!! Have a wonderful festive season!
But anyway, the point of this post is to say that I've finished Semester One of my third year back at Leeds. I still have exams and essay deadlines in January when I go back, so there's no rest for the wicked, but teaching has finished until late January when Semester Two officially starts.
The first Semester has gone well overall, with lots of work! It's definitely a step up from first year, which seems like a fluffy carefree dream right now.
It's not even the Japanese side of the course which is causing the stress, although it is hard work of course, it's that coupled with the pressure of exams and essays for other modules. I'm certainly finding it difficult to balance everything.
In terms of Japanese, we have been doing listening, discussion and reading exercises aimed at improving our general Japanese ability and confidence.
The biggest problem that students seem to be facing is the range of abilities that people have come back from Japan with. Some people are finding the grammar etc. too difficult, and others too easy. I myself think it's the right level for me. It's a blend of revision ('review', for American English speakers!) and new things, so I'm finding it useful.
It's great being back at Leeds in general, being able to see my friends around campus is a great feeling, and I love the atmosphere of studying at a British Uni, even if it is freezing!
Well, I better get back to my essay! I'm looking forward to Christmas - I need an excuse to stop for a bit!
Merry Christmas to everyone!! Have a wonderful festive season!
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