Making Sense of Knox
Introduction
Over the course of 10 weeks enrolled as students in Anthropology of the Senses with Professor William Hope, we had the opportunity to hone in on our sensory experiences here at Knox College. Done in tandem with similar course readings, we used a platform called StoryMap JS to create correspondences of three distinct experiences in which we noticed what we noticed about the world around us and the environments we interact with every day: Study Habits, A Typical Day in the Life, and Embodiment and Body Techniques.
Correspondence #1
For our first correspondence in this class, we were tasked with detailing our study habits. Being in my second year of college, I think I’ve found a good routine that works for me when it comes to getting work done! Because of this, I found it fairly easy for me to delve into my habits. We were tasked with noticing when, how, and where we study best, among other things. Since I have my preferred routine and way of studying, I find that I’m not always very present when it comes to thinking about what I need to do to accomplish my set tasks for the day. Doing this Story Map helped me slow down and really think about why my routine works for me and the benefits of studying the way that I do!
Correspondence #2
For the second Story Map, we documented what a “typical” day in the life looks like. This one was a little bit more of a challenge than the first one because my daily routine often feels like it can be done on autopilot, however, documenting my day required me to remain present and engaged while going through my day. It was very interesting to see all of the things I don’t pay much attention to in my day to day life and to see the different habits I don’t always notice.
Correspondence #3
For our third and final Correspondence, we focused on embodiment and body techniques. We looked at how people used their bodies within specific activities and events. This StoryMap coincided with a little retreat I went on with the Ed Studies Department, so I was able to focus on embodiment during a high ropes course.
Conclusion
I really enjoyed doing these projects. It’s always nice to be given the opportunity to be creative with assignments and take them in whatever direction you want. Doing these Story Maps really forced me to slow down and pay attention to the things I sometimes take for granted in my life. This year feels like it has flown by, so taking this time throughout Spring Term to slow down and pay close attention to the world around me was a wonderful way to end the year!