Taught by: Kiven Strohm
Content (Structure/Organization): 2
For context, I took the first iteration of this course with only 7 other students, and this is a positive review despite how I'm describing things.
Kiven provides a reading list sorted by week, the breakdown for the grade at the start of the semester, and the expectation do to several on-site ethnographies (field trips with the purpose of observation). That is the only guidance for the entire sem, so if you're someone that needs structure.... good luck. If you thrive on discussions and bringing your own things to the table, this is the perfect class.
Each class is discussion based on the readings or field-trip of the week. What you get out of the class is based entirely on what you and your classmates bring up. There is no learning objective per class, you just go however deep and in whatever direction based on the reading as a starting point. Kiven matches your energy, so the more you contribute, the further he will latch onto your thoughts and further expand.
Accessibility and Assessment: 3
Some topics are abit difficult to get your head around, as there is an aspect of philosophy in the course that requires you to un-learn some of your previous knowledge. However, since the class is so ground-up, you literally cannot get left behind because the exploration of different subjects and theories are based on the students. Just keep an open mind and be ready to think big brain.
Manageability of Workload: 4
Pretty average tbh; Kiven's assignments tend to prioritise genuine-ness and personal learning over any technical skills. There's a final project presentation that you deliver as a group that should last around 45mins (including discussion), but that can take any form you want, and preparation can be as in-depth or as chill as you want. There's a final submission, but that can also take any form you want and you could technically just choose a less workload-heavy medium for the submission. There's a fieldnote journal, but that's just creative writing based on your fieldtrip/ethnography observations. There's class part, but you're guaranteed that since the entire class structure is based on class discussions. Overall,,, not too bad.
Ease/Difficulty of Attaining Grades:
Absolutely achievable. Getting a good grade is less about the technical skill of your essays/submissions and more about how much you were able to glean from the class. Pay attention and listen well, and you're already halfway there. For those who want to score well, do your part in actively participating and making connections (lmao) between different topics and ideas. Don't just regurgitate, but try to come up with your own ideas and put forth theories of your own. Right or wrong, Kiven will appreciate the effort. (Source: I got As for this course)
Learning Value/Recommendation: 5
Extremely useful as a means of exploring the world and understanding why things are. Stretches your brain and rewires how you approach knowledge and learning. It is so unique and so out there that its really insane as an experience and a learning opportunity. Honestly, picking Kiven's brain itself is already one hell of a means of learning.
About the Instructor:
Kiven is simultaneously laid back and incredibly engaging. His classes are very open, in which he almost refuses to consider himself a ""teacher"" in the traditional sense. He would rather open the floor to everyone, acknowledging that everyone has their own approach and perspectives and that we can all learn from each other. It's a very specific way to conducting a class, and if you're someone who wants to be told specific instructions or guided on what to do, you won't find that in Kiven.
For example: the guideline for the final submission was so loose that we had to semi-confront him to get a useful answer. In the end, the guideline that we decided on was that it has to be 3k words or equivalent (iirc), and cannot be transient (so it cannot be a form of food or similar perishable, it cannot be a song or performance without a recording, etc). Basically he's open to ANY medium, and if he had his way I think there would be no guidelines at all, but he has to have something to grade and to show to the higher-ups.
Kiven will volunteer knowledge and contribute just as much as you do. You will only get information from him if you are proactive in instigating discussions and asking him questions. He is NOT A SINGAPOREAN TEACHER... more like one of those gaelic fairies you need to wrangle info out of (affectionate). Go into his classes with that in mind.
Additional Comments/Word of Advice:
If you're a go-getter, determined, or just straight up stubborn to get what you want, Kiven is down to play along. If you want something, then he'll work with you to get it. If you expect to listen to lessons or to be guided or given info, this is not the class for you. In my time in class, the projector was only used ONCE (and it wasn't even by Kiven, it was for a final group presentation).