Raquel Munoz

Core #4 HD 361
November 7, 2015
HD 361 (Social and Political Context) was a great class to take. This class gave me awareness of what
is really going on in today's society. Issues that I was not aware of that are still happening today. The
following questions will fully describe my learning process in the class.
1.

Did you fulfill your goals in taking this class? How?

This class completely open my mind to how society has been unequal. The course had many topics that
were interesting and hard to discuss to some as we talked about racism and how racism is still
happening now. I really thought that racism was history but as my professor started talking about
current events and how people were treated made me reflect on how ignorant I was. I have grown in
many new ways as a result of this class. I gained so much more insight about children and people living
in poverty and how social class is related to education.

2.

How did this class add to your knowledge of-------------------------?

As I reflect back at my progress and my learning experience throughout the course, I have newfound a
sense of understanding and pride. The books that we were assigned to read opened my eyes to distinct
specific problems that are related to our society. Also, lectures and discussions, allowed me to tie more
carefully issues of race with the development of todays society, culture, media, and politics. This class
instilled in me an understanding of education and how it fits into our political context.

3.

Have you acquired any new techniques for ----------------------------? Give an example of one
method and describe why you chose it.
The book "Privilege, Power, and Difference" was very interesting. I started to really think about the
"system" which before, it really didn't matter to me. It is understandable that we as people have
differences in our culture and as humans, but we need to stop pointing out or naming others and
acknowledge that there is a problem in order to be able to talk about it. By talking about our

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Raquel Munoz
Core #4 HD 361
November 7, 2015
differences, it can help extinguish the trouble that surrounds privilege and oppression. After this class, I
have been more open about my culture and myself to others.
4.

What contributions do you feel youve made to others in this class? What contributions did
others make to you?
I participated in all group assignments and shared personal experiences with others during group time
and class discussions. I was an active speaker and listener towards my classmates. I was also able to
comment or give feedback to other classmates experiences as they also did to me.

5.

Have you learned any new concepts that will continue to stimulate your thinking? If so, give an
example of what was most useful to you; if not, give an example of what you would have found useful.
Lucy Grealy's book "Autobiography of a Face", made me realize many issues that other people have
including myself. Her story kindled in me an understanding of human struggle. It is like an automatic
response to judge people from their appearance without knowing them. People can be very cruel and
can affect the way people think about themselves. I now see other people differently and am nonjudgmental. Reflecting in my childhood experiences, trying to fit in and having a sense of belonging
was very important to me. I say this because at one point, I wanted to feel accepted by others. It was
very difficult to connect as I dressed different than others and spoke a different language. I remember
not liking myself for being different. I could just imagine Lucy that had a physical disability and her
struggle trying to fit it with what society thought of her. This is why many people have low self-esteem
and not loving themselves for what they have to offer to others. Reflecting on the book, Lucy was not
able to connect with anyone including her parents. Sad to grow up and feel lonely through her struggle
as no one really understood her. This book was just a reminder to me to continue to pursue my passion
which is working with children. I want to be a mentor and be able to help young children cope with
their disabilities and feel accepted by others.
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Raquel Munoz
Core #4 HD 361
November 7, 2015
6.
Reflecting on your writings and discussions, did you learn anything new about yourself?
This class was very meaningful. It opened my eyes to think outside the box. I gain the awareness I
needed and learned more about my social standing. When discussing about social economic status in
class, it made me reflect on myself and how much status do I have. Not necessarily on the money
aspect but also on how much access do I have for being a woman of color. As I continue with my
education, I can feel some power. When gathering with friends and family I find myself encouraging
others to return to school and not be stuck. Knowledge is power!

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