Undergrad Student:  Lindsay L. Groth

Summer 2008

Professor Craig White

“MEGA” Web-Review (Replacing Research Posting)

Web-Reviews are a great learning tool which can be utilized in a variety of subjects and classroom specific topics. The student is able to connect to other peers writing and experience within a particular course and compare the knowledge they have gained as well. Proper research is always important for students to help enhance assignments and strengthen the individuals’ knowledge on a specific issue. It is also safe to say in regards to research that critical thinking, comparison and connection from one work to the next is another great way to gain useful knowledge within coursework. For this particular assignment I decided to use the research postings of my classmates to evaluate my knowledge compared to theirs.

Source #1:

http://coursesite.uhcl.edu/HSH/Whitec/LITR/4333/models/20085731/rschpost/rpost2/rpst2s08hamon.htm

Author:  Kristin Hamon

Class Session: LITR 5731- Summer 2008

This submission used a common theme throughout which helped with cohesion among the various topics within. The title “Birds of a Feather…”, and the migration terms used also helped the work to be relatable and understandable for someone who might not be as familiar with the language. Kristin used her lack of understanding as a stepping stone to a better understanding of children she works with in her profession. Her use of immigrant narratives read within class was yet another way for her peers to gain a better understanding of what she wanted us to learn from her research. The personal interview of a child who is directly related to and currently experiencing what we are reading about was an excellent way to show the problems we discuss are happening all around us. Comparing first and second generations “flight” for survival in daily existence will definitely help the reader to better understand the struggle within families in the past, today, and in the future.

Source #2:

http://coursesite.uhcl.edu/HSH/Whitec/LITR/4333/models/20085731/rschpost/rpost2/rpst2s08stanleytanya.htm

Author: Tanya Stanley

Class Session:  LITR 5731- Summer 2008

This particular submission caught my eye for obvious reasons…food! J By comparing culinary nostalgia to that of assimilating to or resisting the dominant culture is a concept that I had not thought of before. I did not realize that some generations choose not to cook family dishes that have been passed down because they simply do not miss it or even desire to remember their past. Or the opposite occurs within families where the yearning for a special dish with fond memories helps to bring back the feeling from their homeland, even if it is only for the duration of a meal. Often times it is the third generations who do not miss the family traditions at all because they have been the least exposed to it. I love Tanya’s line which states, “Food becomes a bridge for the past and a roadblock to the future.” This is so true in many situations where families are trying to assimilate to the new world around them and slowly try and forget about where they came from. Food can definitely act as the glue that connects generations together whether or not it is cooked for those around you or those to come.

Source #3:

http://coursesite.uhcl.edu/HSH/Whitec/LITR/4333/models/20085731/rschpost/rpost2/rpst2s08murphy.htm

Author: Sandra Murphy

Class Session: LITR 4333 – Summer 2008

This submission focused on the issue of depression, one that does not get as much attention as others might within our society. Through the course we have read multiple narratives that have given hints of depression due to the shock and discriminating practices experienced by coming to a new country. Sandra is right by stating the facts from the United States Surgeon General about what could possibly happen to these individuals or those around them if they do not seek professional help. For the immigrants who are basically thrown into something completely unfamiliar, and feeling like they have no allies would be hard for anyone in a variety of situations. In my opinion I feel that we sometimes forget how hard it is to try and fit in when you feel unwelcome and alone. Americans often focus on the problems that immigrants supposedly cause and completely forget that they too are human beings just like them. Being selfish is part of human nature, but so is being compassionate.

Source # 4:

http://coursesite.uhcl.edu/HSH/Whitec/LITR/4333/models/20085731/rschpost/rpost2/rpst2s08bares.htm

Author:  Connie Bares

Class Session: LITR 5731- Summer 2008

I chose this article because I too am interested in the local history within our community and state. It is amazing to know that something as simple as coast line and port could lead to such grand development and prosperity for many immigrants hoping to find the almighty American Dream. The diversity and specifics of a culture have helped to shape the world we know today. It is the “other” cultures who brought over their traditions and knowledge which have helped shape a land that is seen as remarkable and freeing to so many who are less fortunate. Comparing the Ellis Island of New York to the port of Galveston is very gusty, but at the same time extremely believable. For many the port of Galveston was the closest route to begin a new and hopefully richer life. But it is also important to remember those who did not have the same luxuries as others, and had to work very hard to survive in their new life with next to nothing. Connie says that Galveston Island and Texas have such a diverse population which definitely makes it unique and wanted by so many.

In conclusion, I have a great sense of respect for each individual I had the chance to meet in this class. I feel it an honor to read and think critically about their opinions and research findings within these various topics. The use of immigrant narrative and class terms helped to support each posting that I read and thought about. Doing a web-review is a great learning tool that I plan on using in my own classroom when that time comes.