Group 4.0’s research topic was informative. They did a comparison on Historically Black Colleges/Universities and primarily White Universities’, and compared the graduation rates. Their comparisons, as well as statics showed that HBCU’s had higher graduation rates than primarily white universities. Of course I find this information to be outstanding as well as useful, but I do believe that a little more information could have been put into this comparison. I think that reasons why HBCU have higher graduation rates should have been included in the presentation to make it well-rounded. I do remember the group discussing some of the programs that are offered at HBCU and not at the predominantly white schools, which can be seen as a huge contribution to the reasoning, but I still think that the group could have dug further. Instead of explaining programs and showing multiple graphs and statics of schools, the group could have given more reasons. Such as the learning environment, the faculty, the students they accept, or how confortable a student feels in a school. I think that such factors as these are very important when making a comparison and analyzing things. Ever effect has a cause. The group’s presentation was very information and is very encouraging it shows that HBCU has a lot more to offer than people expect. It shows how HBCU is progressing, which I think is another detail that the group should have mentions. But the overall presentation was very well done and informative. Makes me more proud to be at an HBCU!
Sunday, November 21, 2010
The Stampede: Group Presentation
Suicide is a serious topic that has a lot of attention, or should I say enough attention. Such topic should be just as important as HIV/AIDS and even genocides. Group ‘The Stampede’ has done an excellent job by bringing to our attention the big issue of suicide. They began by defining the suicide, and then they began to discuss the causes. I believe that the information that they gave was accurate because I had recently been reading about the topic in my sociology book, as our professor discusses it as being a result to stress. The group overall performance I would say, has to be an 8 on the scale of 1-10. They were consistent, their ideas and thoughts were together. Everything flowed and I understood the concept of their presentation. One of the things that’s I thought about during their presentation was, how many people knew of the statistics and deaths that were caused by suicides. For me the information was not first time hearing, I have worked on projects for suicide awareness in the past and even help conduct assemblies so that my peers could be aware. But how many people really knew about suicides and how many people really cared. Some of the reasons that the group gave was, alcohol and drug abuse, depression, stress, and even relationship problems. Such reasons like these make me question our society. I have reason to believe that such factors are caused by unequal opportunities. The fact that our social structure makes it difficult for people to move through a class makes things harder in life, and results to suicide and even homicide. I really enjoyed this group and I give them two thumbs up for their presentation.
Interview: Dr. Ifedi - Politcal Aspects
My interview with Dr. John-Patrick Ifedi was very interesting and I really enjoyed listening to his opinion. Our topic was based on genocides and revolved around some of the political aspects and psychological aspects of genocides, so our group thought it would be a great idea to interview a political science professor. Although our presentation was based on the genocide occurring in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the fact that Dr. Ifedi was from Nigeria contributed tremendously to some of the responses that he gave to the questions. For instance, I ask Dr. Ifedi, what did he thought of genocides in general. Although he gave me such a difficult time in answering such basic questions, I found his responses to be truthful. Of course like any human being with morals, and a sentimental heart, he thought that genocide was bad and should not happen. I then asked him what roll he thought the government should take in controlling the genocides, and did he think that foreign relations should get involved. With the most serious face he told me that the government should always help its people, but there are some cases in which the government is the ones conducting the genocide. As far as foreign relations, he told me that he believed in the good neighbor policy. He believed that other governments should get involved. But then he reminded me that a government has sovereignty over their own land, so who are other countries to get involved? Such a mind-bottling questions that I failed to think over when we as Americans enter other countries and get involved in other countries. I know for sure that America would not like anyone in their business, so why is it okay to be in others. What is the crossing line that makes it okay for countries to get involved, is it genocides, or economic depression? Even with these questions laid on the table, Dr. Ifedi felt strongly about the Good Neighbor Policy, and so do I. This information contributed to our presentation because it allowed us to be more open-minded
Seminar in Cramton Auditorium
Aisha J. Brownlee
12:10-1:00
The seminar in Cramton was very informational and vital to succeeding at Howard University. The guest speaker was Roland Byrd and he gave a lecture on proper study habits. Though this lecture wasn’t as effective for me as it was for others, he mentions and provided the group with wise suggestions. Mr. Byrd gave suggestions for the following three categories; how you manage your time, how do you study, and how to develop a study schedule. For the first point, time management, this is something that I learned throughout high school with having a job, being active within my school, and juggling school work at the same time. How I handled my busy schedule throughout school and still today, is by making a schedule for myself. Along with recommending a schedule, Mr. Byrd suggested that we make our schedules in terms of priority. After providing the group with information on how to make a schedule he gave advice on how to study. He suggested studying in a quiet place and doing work in priority. To stay on top one should work ahead but in order for this to be effective and for one to become a successful student one must condition their selves to proper studying schedules. He finally gave advice on how to develop a study schedule. One must be discipline, alert, organized, and have set goals. All which were great suggestions and he ended his lecture with positive and encouraging words for us freshman by saying to have a positive attitude towards learning and staying committed to ones work, both which are key to being a successful student. Although this topic is one of importance, I feel that it wasn’t effective because it was at night and people weren’t as attentive due to other distractions. I also didn’t think the meeting was going to be an actual seminar, if that was the case; people would have come more prepared. All in all, I really didn’t take away any new information that I haven’t already practiced or tried but he was very detailed and informative.
12:10-1:00
The seminar in Cramton was very informational and vital to succeeding at Howard University. The guest speaker was Roland Byrd and he gave a lecture on proper study habits. Though this lecture wasn’t as effective for me as it was for others, he mentions and provided the group with wise suggestions. Mr. Byrd gave suggestions for the following three categories; how you manage your time, how do you study, and how to develop a study schedule. For the first point, time management, this is something that I learned throughout high school with having a job, being active within my school, and juggling school work at the same time. How I handled my busy schedule throughout school and still today, is by making a schedule for myself. Along with recommending a schedule, Mr. Byrd suggested that we make our schedules in terms of priority. After providing the group with information on how to make a schedule he gave advice on how to study. He suggested studying in a quiet place and doing work in priority. To stay on top one should work ahead but in order for this to be effective and for one to become a successful student one must condition their selves to proper studying schedules. He finally gave advice on how to develop a study schedule. One must be discipline, alert, organized, and have set goals. All which were great suggestions and he ended his lecture with positive and encouraging words for us freshman by saying to have a positive attitude towards learning and staying committed to ones work, both which are key to being a successful student. Although this topic is one of importance, I feel that it wasn’t effective because it was at night and people weren’t as attentive due to other distractions. I also didn’t think the meeting was going to be an actual seminar, if that was the case; people would have come more prepared. All in all, I really didn’t take away any new information that I haven’t already practiced or tried but he was very detailed and informative.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Group Presentation- Group 4.0
Aisha J. Brownlee
12:10-1:00
I really enjoyed Group 4.0’s presentation. I found it very informative and their research extremely detailed. Their research question was does historically black colleges and universities have a higher success rate for their students’ then a predominately white institution of education? The evidence that the group provided sufficiently proved that the graduation rate of historically black colleges and universities is substantially higher than the predominately white institutions. I thought the group touched base on a very good topic, education. When determining whether someone is “smart enough” to attend college and how that affects their success in life, grades should not be considered. Isn’t a student wanting to learn and benefit from the experience enough? I think colleges and even high schools put too much emphasis on grades instead of the learning journey as a whole. The system is too competitive. A student’s success rate should be determined by the goals they set for themselves and how they go about achieving those goals. The group brought up different academic programs offered for students during the summer and for first year students in college. Programs such as upward bound and freshman seminar are programs designed to challenge students and help them to succeed in the future. Whether a student decides to take advantage of these programs to further their education is their choice. To succeed in life you have to set high but attainable goals for yourself, and be motivated and determined to stop at nothing to achieve them. Succeeding in life is more than just grades; it is about using all the resources available to you and furthering your knowledge outside the classroom.
12:10-1:00
I really enjoyed Group 4.0’s presentation. I found it very informative and their research extremely detailed. Their research question was does historically black colleges and universities have a higher success rate for their students’ then a predominately white institution of education? The evidence that the group provided sufficiently proved that the graduation rate of historically black colleges and universities is substantially higher than the predominately white institutions. I thought the group touched base on a very good topic, education. When determining whether someone is “smart enough” to attend college and how that affects their success in life, grades should not be considered. Isn’t a student wanting to learn and benefit from the experience enough? I think colleges and even high schools put too much emphasis on grades instead of the learning journey as a whole. The system is too competitive. A student’s success rate should be determined by the goals they set for themselves and how they go about achieving those goals. The group brought up different academic programs offered for students during the summer and for first year students in college. Programs such as upward bound and freshman seminar are programs designed to challenge students and help them to succeed in the future. Whether a student decides to take advantage of these programs to further their education is their choice. To succeed in life you have to set high but attainable goals for yourself, and be motivated and determined to stop at nothing to achieve them. Succeeding in life is more than just grades; it is about using all the resources available to you and furthering your knowledge outside the classroom.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Stampede Presentation
Faith N. Odigbo
Freshmen Seminar
12:10 – 1:00
Dr. Carr
7 November 2010
Stampede Group Presentation
The group, Stampede, presented the topic suicide rate increasing within the African American community. I thought this was a brilliant topic to discuss because suicide is considered a taboo subject to discuss because many older generations have passed down their twisted view on suicide and on those who commit suicide to future generation. It is only now that the African American society is coming to terms with suicide and is slowly realizing that suicide is a much bigger picture then they thought. Stampede presentation was informative and was straight to the point. Every member of the group was an active participant and knew the topic very well plus the group was well prepared when it came time for question and answers. The group mentioned certain attributes contribute to the increase in the suicide rate such as unemployment, depression, hopelessness, alcohol and drug abuse, relationship discord, partner abuse, and child abuse. Since America is in one of the worst recession the suicide rate has doubled because due to the lack of money some people see no way out of their financial situation. According to their research, suicide is the eighth leading cause of death and five people per day fall victim to suicide. The social structure of today’s culture and society places a lot of stress on an individual. Stampede covered a topic that the African American community should acknowledge this topic and spread the awareness of the this subject which might help decrease the rate of suicide for future generations. Stampede presentation was good and left me wondering what I could do to inform the masses about this topic.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Interview-Dr. Harrell
Aisha J. Brownlee
12:10-1:00
For my interview, I choose to speak with Dr. Jules Harrell, who is my psychology teacher. I am a psychology major and found it important to interview him on our research project. Our group question for the freshman seminar project was what are the political and psychological frameworks of the Congolese people that contribute to the current genocide? I myself have a particular interest on the effects of people in hostile environments and how genocide affects their states of mind. I began the interview with asking Dr. Harrell what was his intake on genocide. He talked about when looking at genocide one has to first ask, why now? Why has the problem exploded to something this immense? When there are two groups fused to coexist with one another, tensions arise. Contributing to these tensions is always a third element, where if one were to remove this element, the problem wouldn’t progress as largely as it has gotten in the Congo. The third element in the Congo is the mineral coltan. This mineral has kept the fight between Tutsi rebels and national armed forces ongoing. This mineral continues to fuel the conflict by providing sources of funding for armed groups. The interview was then directed towards what psychological factors contribute to some of these leaders mind sets. We are all capable of ruthless. What I learned was that when a human is reduced to their lowest, the oppressor has a better chance of destroying the person causing their brains to go through mis-wiring which can ultimately set the person off. Also contributing to a person’s destruction is their social environments. If someone is raised in a destructive environment, that can alter a person’s state of mind and their perception on the world. Without love or a stable social environment one is pushed toward self-destruction resulting in mass effect of the people around them. Our interview taped deeply inside the human psyche and was very helpful to our research project.
12:10-1:00
For my interview, I choose to speak with Dr. Jules Harrell, who is my psychology teacher. I am a psychology major and found it important to interview him on our research project. Our group question for the freshman seminar project was what are the political and psychological frameworks of the Congolese people that contribute to the current genocide? I myself have a particular interest on the effects of people in hostile environments and how genocide affects their states of mind. I began the interview with asking Dr. Harrell what was his intake on genocide. He talked about when looking at genocide one has to first ask, why now? Why has the problem exploded to something this immense? When there are two groups fused to coexist with one another, tensions arise. Contributing to these tensions is always a third element, where if one were to remove this element, the problem wouldn’t progress as largely as it has gotten in the Congo. The third element in the Congo is the mineral coltan. This mineral has kept the fight between Tutsi rebels and national armed forces ongoing. This mineral continues to fuel the conflict by providing sources of funding for armed groups. The interview was then directed towards what psychological factors contribute to some of these leaders mind sets. We are all capable of ruthless. What I learned was that when a human is reduced to their lowest, the oppressor has a better chance of destroying the person causing their brains to go through mis-wiring which can ultimately set the person off. Also contributing to a person’s destruction is their social environments. If someone is raised in a destructive environment, that can alter a person’s state of mind and their perception on the world. Without love or a stable social environment one is pushed toward self-destruction resulting in mass effect of the people around them. Our interview taped deeply inside the human psyche and was very helpful to our research project.
Group Presentation Review-The Stampede
Aisha J. Brownlee
12:10-1:00
The presentation given by the stampede was on the suicide rates amongst African Americans. Their research question was why are the suicide rates amongst African Americans increasing? I found their research very interesting and original. They looked at all aspects which could be the result of such high suicide rates. Their presentation was very organized and easy to follow and understand. The group began their power point by defining suicide from their perspective. Their definition was the taking of one’s life. Although not a topic frequently addressed in the news, the group brought it up and gave an informative presentation. Suicide is something that effects young teens and blacks especially in today’s society. The group gave their reasons why in modern society the suicide rates have increased. Some include unemployment, depression, hopelessness, alcohol and drug abuse, relationship discord, partner abuse, and child abuse. All of the reasons the group came up with I agree. Because of today’s economic situation many of these problems named above have become more prevalent in black communities, causing the suicide rates to increase. According to their research, suicide is the eighth leading cause of death and five people per day fall victim to suicide. The social structure of today’s culture and society places a lot of stress on an individual. This stress causes a strain mentally on a person and their daily life. This is why I think The Stampedes’ presentation was very effective. They addressed a very vital issue that has sort of been placed to the back of the list in some of the important issues affecting people today. I thoroughly enjoyed this presentation given by The Stampede.
12:10-1:00
The presentation given by the stampede was on the suicide rates amongst African Americans. Their research question was why are the suicide rates amongst African Americans increasing? I found their research very interesting and original. They looked at all aspects which could be the result of such high suicide rates. Their presentation was very organized and easy to follow and understand. The group began their power point by defining suicide from their perspective. Their definition was the taking of one’s life. Although not a topic frequently addressed in the news, the group brought it up and gave an informative presentation. Suicide is something that effects young teens and blacks especially in today’s society. The group gave their reasons why in modern society the suicide rates have increased. Some include unemployment, depression, hopelessness, alcohol and drug abuse, relationship discord, partner abuse, and child abuse. All of the reasons the group came up with I agree. Because of today’s economic situation many of these problems named above have become more prevalent in black communities, causing the suicide rates to increase. According to their research, suicide is the eighth leading cause of death and five people per day fall victim to suicide. The social structure of today’s culture and society places a lot of stress on an individual. This stress causes a strain mentally on a person and their daily life. This is why I think The Stampedes’ presentation was very effective. They addressed a very vital issue that has sort of been placed to the back of the list in some of the important issues affecting people today. I thoroughly enjoyed this presentation given by The Stampede.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Group Presentation Review #1
Faith N. Odigbo
Freshmen Seminar
12:10 – 1:00
Dr. Carr
3 November 2010
Group 4.0
Group 4.0 presented the question does historically black colleges and universities have a higher success rate for their students’ then predominately white institution of education? The group presented substantial evidence to prove that the graduation rate of historically black colleges and universities is up there with predominately white institution of education. The presentation was informative I only wished the rest of the group got to talk but the overall presenting was ok. In my opinion, the only thing that should determine a student’s success rate is their determination and their will to see their goal of completing their college career. What really should go into consideration of the graduation rates of the students at historically black college and universities and predominantly white institution of education is the will and if the students are taking advantage of the programs that offer to help them when in need. The group did mention that both schools historically black and predominantly white offer programs in order to help their students succeed. Sometimes, the problems lies at the hand of the students and their mindsets’ and not in the hands of administrative. The presentation was informative, helpful, and made me aware that some students thrive in an environment where they can relate to other students like themselves while others can thrive in any environment. Though the value of education may be same between the two schools but sometimes the environment on the individual campuses plays a significant role then educators give credit. Who knows whether students at historically black colleges and universities because of the environment or the contact with students like themselves or if the students succeed due to their own determination and a good support system back home?
Interview
Faith N. Odigbo
Freshmen Seminar
12:10 – 1:00
Dr. Carr
3 November 2010
Interview
The question of our research project was what is the psychological and political framework that contributes to genocide in the Democratic Republic of Congo? Well the group decided to interview Dr. Harrell, who has a Ph. D in psychology. We asked him pivotal questions on the psychological framework of the leaders who lead genocide to run rampant in their country and Dr. Harrell said that the mental wiring within the leader’s mind is askew and something went wrong during their development years because what would cause one person to think its okay to annihilation a certain ethnic group. While Dr. Harrell was answering our question, I could not help but think that the leaders who run countries where genocide is running amuck must be sick individuals to allow such destruction of human life in their own country. It saddens my heart to think that the media has brushed the genocide that is occurring in countries less fortunate then North America, who has the ability to avoid such catastrophic events in their history, well to a certain extent. I wished the media would shine a light on this event and how the natural resource that North America depends for everyday use is adding fuel, pun intended, to the events in other countries, whom are wiping a race in order to supply the North American demand. The interview with Dr. Harrell to be insightful and added beneficial information that helped get along with the research project.
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