Making connections in classes

Topics you learn about in one class can help you understand coursework in another.

I have begun to make connections between my classes. Topics are coming up in more than one class which allows me to look at the topic from different perspectives. My instructors emphasize different parts of the topic and I like to connect them to grasp the bigger picture. Although the topic sounded the same, I learned something new the second time around.

While sitting in my Modern American History class, I noticed that some of the things that are being taught were mentioned in my Jazz History class. In my American History class we were studying the 1920s and modernism that manifested at that time. The 1920s also became known as the Jazz Age. It was interesting to see how Jazz connects to the American History. In the twenties a trend of rebellion against politics was visible and Jazz players highlighted the conflicts in their music.

It amazes me to see how different classes can refer to one another without even knowing it. My American History instructor helped me to understand the role of Jazz during that time period. I feel like I have developed an edge in both classes. I will be able to apply my connections to help students in both classes. I encourage students to begin, if you haven’t already, connecting ideas in your classes. I don’t think you should just go to class and after class, you forget the things you learn because you will see that it will reappear and when it does you will be able to build on your understanding as I have.

Matthew Maggit is a sophomore in accounting in the College of Business Administration. Matthew decided to come to UIC because of the business program’s reputation and because  he wanted to study at a campus with a diverse atmosphere. He likes how close the campus is downtown Chicago and the Willis Tower. In his free time, he loves to surround myself with loved ones, and he enjoys sports and going to the gym.