we had the world


History 210: We need to go back 

Here I am sitting in class slowly panicking as the professor handed out the syllabus. As I looked over everything and figured out what I had to do to succeed in the class. This class will require a lot of dull reading, papers, and in class discussion. All about American Foreign Policy.

One of the main things that we did in class was look over the Declaration and figure out where the thesis is. We then had to think about how the British reacted to this. Apparently, some people in class do not know much about the British government and how it runs. I have some knowledge but not enough. Yet, I was still able to make it through the discussion.

For our homework due Monday, we must read the Constitution and ask ourselves what the soft and hard powers are and what makes it stand out. We must also read an introduction and two chapters of one of our four books.

This class will be challenging for me, I will admit. It has been a while since I took American history so this class will be a challenging refresher. Then again, I was able to get a 4 on the APUSH Exam so some things must have clicked for me.



English 206: What makes a short story good? 

We started this class by introducing our names and what are favorite book is. I said that my favorite book is The Fault in Our Stars. We were then asked to write five reasons why we liked the book. After we wrote our initial reasons, we split up into four groups and had to decide five things that make a good story and then share with the class.

What I got from this exercise was this: this class all has different ideas about what a good story is. Some members of the class do not like fantasy at all. In fact, one girl said she hated Harry Potter. I almost wanted to cry. I had to make a mental note that I can’t write a short fantasy story because some members of the class would find it rather pointless. But then I realized that some people in class would find me writing about realistic ideas pointless as well.

As the semester goes on, I will find out what makes a good story. We will be taking our time to understand how to write good short stories. There is a lot of reading as well. But, I know that I can write fiction. It is the style of writing that I am most comfortable with. I will be able to figure out what type of story genre will please my class once I get to know them. But in the end, it is my decision and not theirs.



Hey guys! 

Two posts will be up tonight! 

The first post will be about Fiction Writing and the next post about my History of American Foreign Relations 



F.A.Q. 

Briana, you made another blog?

Yes, I did make another blog!

But why? This is different than bradley-jamess. 

Yes, this is.

So why did you make this?

This blog is geared to more academic things. I had this idea last semester that I didn’t really do. I wanted to archive my notes and what I learned in my history class. So the purpose of this blog is to tell people what I learned in each of my two history classes.

Two history classes? What are you taking?

Yes, two. I am taking History 200 and History 210. History 200 is Workshop for Historians and is about the study of studying history, historiography to be exact. This class meets twice a week on Tuesdays and Fridays from 2:00-3:50 pm (central time). I will post what I learned and found valuable from class (hopefully) on the day class is held. The other history class I am taking is History 210 which is History of American Foreign Relations. This class meets twice a week on Mondays and Thursdays at the same time History 200 meets. I would expect posts on Mondays and Thursdays about what I learned.

You’re a writing minor correct? Are you taking a writing course?

Yes, I am and I am taking English 206, Fiction Writing. I will also be posting what I learn from that class on here.  The class meets Monday-Friday, but not Wednesday, from 12-12:50. 

So what else do I need to know?

Well, I don’t want this to be a boring text-only blog. Once I get this fully up and running, tagged properly, and have some time, there will be a very important page that has what you need. 

Why are you going to post Sherlock, Doctor Who, and Criminal Minds?

Because I can.

This blog needs some color sometimes, okay? And I can find history in a lot of things that some people don’t catch. Also, this blog is nerdy.

So when Crash Course comes out, that will be on this blog?

Of course! John talking history! I mean…come on!

How can I contact you?

The link to my main blog is on the sidebar. So is my “Important Things” page from my main blog. Otherwise, you can post in my ask and I will respond. 

What about London? Will London discussions be on here?

Maybe. Not sure. If I keep up with my learning blog, I will continue with that in the fall. I might make a blog that will deal just with London when I am there. I am also going to be journaling by hand when I am over there. Plus my main blog will have London. I really don’t know?

Do you think that Matt Smith/Matthew Gray Gubler/Benedict Cumberbatch is (are) attractive?

Yes. Of course. 

Will they be on here?

No comment.

Anything else I need to know?

Nope. If you have questions, you know where to reach me! Happy learning!