Course Description
TA:LCSEM-0101:Speculative Nonfiction Writing
Divisional Requirements
| Was course completed satisfactorily? | Yes |
Course Fundamentals
| Attended class | |
| Participated in class discussion | |
| Participated in in-class or group activities | |
| Completed assignments on time |
Learning Goals
| Learn to read and interpret intellectual or artistic works | |
| Write critically and analytically | |
| Understand quantitative methods of analysis | |
| Develop creative abilities in expressive modes (e.g. creative writing, visual and performance arts, and music) | |
| Effectively present ideas orally | |
| Conceive and complete project-based work | |
| Understand multiple cultural perspectives on intellectual or artistic subjects |
Narrative Description of Student Performance
Ruth was a wonderful TA for Speculative Nonfiction Writing. They helped me design the class, pointing me toward some of the readings I incorporated into the syllabus (specifically the readings around science and speculation), and they regularly shared valuable ideas and raised important questions during our class discussions.
They also provided much-needed support throughout the semester, both for myself and for students. This was a class I was teaching for the first time, and there were challenges in terms of how to prioritize certain activities. Ruth listened and offered helpful advice about how to reshape aspects of the syllabus, taking into account my desires for the course alongside the needs of the students. Likewise, Ruth consistently offered to read and comment on student work and provided assistance to students during group activities and peer review. Because this was a seminar course designed in part to orient students to the college, Ruth was able to also share strategies for navigating Hampshire and college generally, as well as tips for reading and writing. Ruth’s words of encouragement and support were moving and genuine, and I think they meant a lot for students to hear.
One highlight from the semester was the class that Ruth taught on the book The End of Everything written by the cosmologist Katie Mack. Ruth found creative and accessible ways to introduce this very complex text to the class, including showing a short talk by Mack and a song by Hozier inspired by Mack’s work. Ruth posed intriguing questions and seemed fully at ease facilitating discussion. The conversation that Ruth led was probably one of our best of the semester.
Ruth is a natural teacher, a caring and curious person who connects easily with others. It was a real pleasure having them as a TA this semester.