Civilizations and Modern Society: Use the Past to Change the World by David

Civilizations and Modern Society: Use the Past to Change the World by David - August 2017 Scholarship Essay

As a college professor, I would teach a course called "Civilizations and Modern Society" because I want students to confidently find and explore their passions so they can change the world.

As a child, I ever had any local role models. My friends and family wanted to live simple lives, however I had big dreams. I wanted to become a world leader, a businessman, and then retire as a philanthropist for disadvantaged communities. My eighth grade world history course opened my eyes; I learned about ancient civilizations and leaders like Mansa Musa, Napoleon Bonaparte, and Alexander the Great. Each leader had their setbacks and challenges, and when they overcame them they became better men. Past leaders inspired me to overcome adversity and strive for my dreams because I know I can accomplish them. College exists to prepare students to tackle the real world and prepare them to achieve their career goals and dreams. I hope my class would foster their potential so when they enter the world nothing will hold them back.

We will first examine different cultures; students will experience how society's seemingly rigid values are actually fluid. Cultural exploration allows me to keep the class interesting, enjoyable, and educational. I will devote a week to learn about music, the arts, and then fashion. For example, I would allow students to explore fashion eras which include dress such as the Mayan golden necklaces and charms, the African Dashiki, or American Counter-Couture apparel. Students will choose an era, design a project, and present it to the class. The presentation would explore the era's past and modern significance, their thoughts, and how/if they would incorporate designs into their style. Students will then have something beautiful to take from the class and become more open-minded.

When we view the world’s history as a whole, students will see how society and its values flow and change daily. The information age should not cause students to think they cannot influence change; quite the opposite, it can depict how students have an even larger capability to enact change because we now have an interconnected global environment. When information travels instantaneously between lands and cultures, the idea exchange can impact societal qualities to an extent we have never seen.

One would believe millennials have confidence; parents often tell millennials they can accomplish anything, but their confidence tends to fade when exposed to the overwhelming global competition. I would have each student tell the class their dream, no matter how silly, and we will explore similar past innovators who have accomplished their dream. Alexander the Great, an ancient Macedonian king, once proclaimed, "There is nothing impossible to him who would try". I want the past leaders to guide the modern age’s students so they can tackle their own global challenges. Students may believe the information age’s rigid and monotonous 9-to-5 corporate life exists as their only option, but I think their minds will change when exposed to inspirational past role models.

The "Civilizations and Modern Society" class would encourage students to be audacious, open-minded, and have a positive outlook to better the world.