I joined the text and context course (postmodernism) at The University of Edinburgh in August 2007. It was my first experience at a summer school and I was wondering what shall I expect. However, the course did not only fulfill my expectations, what´s more, it surprised me with great variety of interesting lectures and evening programme and perfect organization.
I appreciated the structure of the lectures. It started with the postmodern
theory and continued with particular topics and aspects of the books from
our reading list. The lectures were held by well-known professors and doctors
from various universities. Most of them were not only interesting, but also
highly enjoyable since the lecturers were very pleasant. Usually, they concentrated
on few aspects of the literary work, what enabled us to reach the core instead
of a superficial analysis.
This kind of background formed very good basis for our discussions in the
tutorial groups. It was also a chance to elaborate own ideas or to win a different
perspective from the schoolmates. I would like to mention that I really acclaim
the fact that you tried to mix the people of differnet nationalities and hence,
people of various cultural background too. I perceived it as a great contribution
since it offered me a different point of view. Talking about seminars I can
not omit to mention the tutors because their teaching style was highly remarkable.
The atmosphere during the tutorials was very relaxed, I felt always comfortable.
Nobody felt forced to say something, neither having no space for own opinions.
The tutor motivated also passive students and encouraged all to claim and
reason their ideas. I also acknowledged that my teacher was not biased in
the sense that she would stick to one interpretation, on the other hand, she
was aware of their multitude, what made her being open to all of them when
justified rationally. What´s more, my tutor was there not only to listen
to our suggestions and lead the discussion, she also riveted on some controversial
or important aspects we did not notice. I would also like to highlight the
support of all staff members who were friendly and always ready to help.
The evening programme was a unique mixture of literature, traditions and fun.
The readings by well-known writers were very pleasant and the most wonderful
of them was, naturally, the evening with Alasdair Gray and Rodge Glass. I
must admit that I have not known A.Gray before coming to Edinburgh and reading
Lanark from our list. However, I liked his book very much and found it very
exciting to meet him and to have even a chance to talk to him personally.
Anyway, we were also introduced to other worlds than the literary one. The
world of scottish traditions- ceilidh and the art of making beer. Both were
very amusing and I enjoyed them. The most entertaining evening was the last
one- the farewell party. However, it was also the saddest evening at the same
time since it was time to say goodbye. Anyway, that is the prize for winning
great experiences, making new friends and falling in love with such a wonderful
city as Edinburgh is.
I hope I will have a chance to share the knowledge I gained there and to introduce
this beautiful land and its literature in my country.
At the end, I would like to thank all the staff for great programme, they
have prepared for us and also for the scholarship that enabled me to be a
part of this summer school. Thank you!
