LITR 4632 Literature of the Future

Sample Student final exams 2009

 Denise Pope

Apocalypse Plus

I knew that my biggest challenge when starting the course was guiding myself to keep an open mind. Soon after I started to read the materials I realized that I actually might enjoy this type of literature. I found myself looking forward to the next readings and wondering what messages they were going to convey. However, I did not even comprehend how many ways there are to imagine and contemplate about what the future holds. I have always realized that other people had different types of ideas that may be their own realities and premonitions about the future, but never considered them to be my own. Now, I have had my own reality check and the adventures that brought me here were amazing. I believe there always will be mysteries, wonders, and surprises in the world which will constantly endeavor to impact our lives.

            Literature of the future leads one to explore all of the different realms and possibilities that the future could possibly hold. I believe that it is extremely important for everyone to keep an open mind and have the simple opportunity to do so without scrutiny. There have been so many ah ha moments for me during this course, I enjoyed being able to share the information I learned with my family and friends. It is hard to put into words how much this course lead my mind to a place that it has never been. Usually for some people this is a time that will be uncomfortable, but for me it was the total opposite.

            Literature of the Future will forever hold a place in my heart and mind. It taught me that it is wonderful for everyone to have their own opinion. As I mentioned in my midterm, I was raised in an apocalyptic environment which is led by a higher power and that has a place for us once we leave this world. This type of world is wonderful to live in, but there are so many other possibilities out there. Literature of the Future also taught me that it is alright for me to explore all of the different options I have to believe what the future holds.

            Jenna Zucha also states in her final in 2007 that, “This awareness and exposure is crucial to learning. Literature continues to survive because it teaches people how to think and question. The discussion of events and situations yet to come allows people to critically analyze their own lives.” I could not express this feeling any better which leads me to the conclusion that I will incorporate this type of literature into my own classroom. I believe that my students will enjoy and grow from being exposed to Literature of the Future just as much as I have.