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Robert Nutzman
Dr. Lynn Kilpatrick
English 2700
5/01/2016
English 2700 Reflection
English 2700 or Critical Theory requires students to learn about the different types of
theory out there and their creators. From Plato to Toril Moi is covered in this in-depth
curriculum. While the work load is substantial any student who puts in the time can come away
with a better understanding of how these theories came into existence and the role they play in
helping us understand the world around us.
I personally struggled with many of the concepts in which we studied. Many of them
written turgidly and with references that didnt make a lot of sense. However, that is not to say I
didnt take anything away from Dr. Kilpatricks course.
I continued my development of criterial thinking. What I mean by this is that her
Introduction to Critical Theory (English 2600) built a foundation for me to continue to build
upon. While I do not claim to be as proficient as many of my classmates I do think that;
especially towards the end of the semester, I began to notice a change in my thinking as I was
reading the material. Dr. Kilpatrick knows first hands of my struggles in this area, but kept
working with me and I believe towards the end it started to pay off.
The second accomplishment in this course was my ability to come out of my shell a little
bit and talk about things with my classmates that I do not feel comfortable with. In the

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beginning of class I would simply remain silent throughout hoping not to get called on and make
a fool of myself. By the end however, I was more openly discussing topics that I was unsure
about. This for me was a huge step in being more open and honest about my understanding, or
lack-there-of in the topics in which we were talking about that day.
Lastly I believe this class has forced me to become more tech savvy by forcing me to
look at many difference sources to find my information. With some of the papers that were
assigned I was forced to look beyond the material that was given to us in class. I became
proficient in using such search tools as JSTOR and other search tools. This I believe will bring
some of the greatest rewards in my future. Having developed these tools sets me up with the
ability to transition those skills into a workplace environment.
While this class wasnt easy for me in the slightest I kept at it. I will not claim to be a
master of any of these theories or even a novice in some regards; I would say that it makes me
think differently about what I read. With Dr. Kilpatricks help I feel better prepared to continue
in my education beyond just that of getting a degree.