Week 3: First Week of Classes and The Beginning of My Family's Trip

On Thursday, October 3, we had our first day of classes. Kellie and I are taking the following classes: Individual Learning and Differences, Ancient Forms: Written, and Social and Cultural Landscapes.

Individual Learning and Differences was the first class that we had Thursday morning running 9 am-12 pm. This class focuses on the psychology of individual differences and will consider two concerns in this area, namely intelligence and personality. After speaking to some of the students we realized we were in an education course for teachers however, as philanthropy majors, this course will help us be more understanding and supportive as nonprofit professionals.

Ancient Forms: Written was our second class of the day on Thursday and it ran from 2-6 pm. This class deals with contextual and theoretical issues which develops your awareness of past writing in relation to the contemporary and examines the historical developments of narratives from the earliest known examples and from orality to literacy. Honestly, this class has nothing to do with our major, but it will count as a general education course and it suited our 2 days a week class schedule so we took it. We might regret taking it because it seems a bit challenging, so I’ll keep you updated.

Social and Cultural Landscapes was our third and final class for the week. Friday morning from 9 am-12 pm. We explore the core concerns of contemporary, social, and cultural geography. It evaluates the role of space and place in the construction of social relations and cultural identities (class, gender, race, and ethnicity, age, sexuality, and disability). This is a global development and a geography “major course”. It will count towards an advanced major course due to the examination of social inequalities and how it forms philanthropic efforts back in the states.

How classes differ from IUPUI

Classes at Derby are anywhere from 3-4 hours and meet once a week, whereas, courses in the states are an hour and 15 minutes and meet 2-3 times a week. With classes being so long, it’s difficult for me to stay focused for the entire time. I’m just thankful we get frequent breaks and some professors are quite funny.

The thing that makes uni in England different from the states is how we’re graded on performance. Back in the states, IUPUI focuses on giving students as many chances as possible to demonstrate that they know the material. They offer tests, quizzes, papers, homework assignments, presentations, and attendance points. Here in England, many courses only offer 1 or 2 possibilities to gain points. They have a midterm paper that’s 50% of your grade and a final that’s the other 50% and if you fail one paper or test, you’ve failed the class.

THAT STRESSES ME OUT.

I’m the type of person that is a terrible test taker and likes as many chances as possible to get points to make up for my test grades. So, I’m kind of freaking out. My only saving grace this semester is that I only have 3 papers and 1 presentation and those are the only assignments I have to do the entire semester. So, no final exams, I should do okay... at least that's what I keep telling myself.  

University Facts

1.) Professors go by their first names here, I call a professor Michelle and it’s weird.

2.) Derby University is an institution that physically builds their buildings up not out. So, to get to all of my classes, I have to take an elevator or lift as they call it here to like the 10th floor.

3.) Classes don’t stay in the same room, most courses switch rooms every class. (I don’t understand)

4.) With all this traveling I’ve been doing, I’ll probably have to get a coffee each day I have classes because I am exhausted... ALL THE TIME.

5.) The campus bookstore apparel only has 1 design and it’s not cute. I guess people in England don’t “rep” their alma maters like we do in the states.  

6.) Universities do not have mascots, at least Derby Uni doesn’t have one.

London, England

Kellie and I took a bus to London after class on Friday. We checked-in at our hostel and then met my mom, step-dad, aunt, and uncle at a pub and had dinner. The next day, we all went on a hop on hop off cruise on the Thames River. We saw Westminster Abbey, London Bridge, London Eye, London Tower, Greenwich and so much more! We had tickets to the London Tower and saw the Crown Jewels, the torture chamber, and the armories. Then, we headed to Greenwich to grab lunch and visit the Greenwich Market. We finished the night at a floating pub on the Thames River. Sunday morning, everyone went to Buckingham Palace and then we headed back to Derby.  

Derby/Nottingham, England

Monday, mom, my step-dad, aunt, and uncle came to Derby and we showed them around Derby Centre, uni and our flat. They got to meet all of our flatmates except Dion, the one that is coming to IUPUI in the spring. After we showed them around, we all headed to Nottingham for the night, where they were staying. On the way there, we stopped at Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem which was created in 1189 AD. It happens to be THE oldest bar in England which was so cool to see! Everything looked original with some refurbishing.

Then, we grabbed dinner and went to the Alchemist, which was a different pub that made cocktails that reminded me of science experiments. My drink was fizzling at the top, Kellie's was on fire and someone’s else’s had dry ice/smoke coming out of it. It was all about the presentation of the drinks! It was something that I’d never experienced before!

Liverpool, England

Tuesday, we headed to Liverpool to check out where the Beatles originated. We stopped by the Irish Sea waterfront and then went to The Cavern Club which is where the Beatles first played together. Then, we went to Concert Square and listened to some live music and got drinks. After spending a night in Liverpool, I now understand why they’re considered a party town... they know how to SHUT IT DOWN.

Looking Forward

Thursday and Friday, we have class and then this weekend, we’re headed to Ireland for one last hoorah before my family flies back to the states! Stay tuned!!

Please enjoy some picture from our time in England this past week!