Column:

Take learning into your own hands

By Lindsay Eanet

Published Oct. 30, 2009

First semester of my junior year, I lived with two film studies minors.

Our apartment reflected this: Our living room posters sported images of Fred and Ginger. Turner Classic Movies was usually the channel of choice. They taught me a lot about film through conversation and about the art of storytelling, which is a valuable thing to understand as a journalist.

But it was their passion for the subject that got me. It's a phenomenon, and maybe it's just me, but in the midst of conversation, when a person is passionate about the subject, I start wanting to know more.

The film students I've met in my time here have been a deeply passionate bunch. Many of them have worked on their own projects and spent a lot of time learning the craft on their own. Their dedication to their art is something to be admired, and the addition of a film studies major to the MU curriculum proves good things come to those who wait.

First semester of my freshman year, I attended a meeting or two of Mizzou Students for Film, the organization that started lobbying for a film studies major at MU in 2005. It was through their hard work and advocacy this issue was even brought to the forefront of academic discussion, and although many of the original members have graduated, it should be noted student efforts played a role in making this decision possible. We asked and we (eventually) received.

So let this be a reminder: We do have stake in our academic destinies. If there is a major or line of coursework MU doesn't offer or hasn't publicized, do your research and then make it happen. If there is a clear interest and initiative, assuming financial and logistical concerns are met, adding a new major or field of study can be a possibility.

As students, we should be taking the initiative and proposing adjustments to curricula already in place. I know a group of journalism students who recently started a group to discuss better ways to develop the school's curriculum and introduce more innovative methods of teaching. I know there are certainly changes I would like to see in the J school's curriculum (and I'm sure those of you in the College of Business or any other school have had the occasional gripe with the courses of study) and to see students taking initiative to make changes is refreshing and demonstrates we care about our education.

And if for whatever reason MU cannot oblige, look for educational opportunities yourself. Find your own mentors. One of my heroes, writer William Upski Wimsatt, tells a story in his essay "How I Got My D.I.Y. Degree at the University of Planet Earth" about a friend who dropped out of a private fine arts school and instead found instructors on her own for her general education: a cello instructor at the University of Wisconsin, a museum greenhouse botanist and community organizers. We ultimately make own our education, and if the academic experience you're getting at MU is dissatisfying, why not pursue other options?

As students, we are the shareholders in the business that is the UM system, so ensuring our school is a solid academic competitor and a place where we can learn about those things which interest us should be part of our collective agenda.