Reflection

     Like many others in the class, I have found the topics discussed extremely interesting and extremely dense. I’ve been introduced to so much new information and have gained knowledge not just on the area, but how to think and comprehend multiple aspects to many situations being faced in MENA. Entering this class, I thought I was pretty well informed on the region. I read Al-Jazeera and BBC almost daily and could spout off headlines of what was happening on command. However, I never truly thought about what I read. I took at it at face value and didn’t consider the stimuli and reactions of each story. After the first few discussions in class, I came to the realization that perhaps I wasn't quite as well informed as I originally thought. It was almost embarrassing to sit in class and not know the answers to questions about current events. Though it’s a lot to take in, I love the topics discussed in this class. They are relevant to the world events currently happening, and I can make connections between the readings and information to real life situations. It’s been a busy few weeks in the Arab world, and the opportunity to discuss and listen to other’s ideas about these proceedings has proven very beneficial for me.