Looking over the papers I've written in the past ten weeks, and thinking of the many class discussions, I can only describe the Rockwood method as a "person-centered" approach to composition. This method should have made everyone aware of one's innate abilities. It should have made everyone aware of the sparkling creative powers hidden deep inside, waiting to be released. Class discussions illustrated the fact that everyone has these creative drives, and with the right training should be able to express them effectively.
The main point seemed to be that one should write on something one feels deeply about, because one will then transmit one's interest to the reader. We know that children feel intensely, and then, as they age, they are taught to think instead of feel. It seemed this course intended first of all to tune us into our feelings. This was done through describing a childhood memory, and a dream. Once we could feel again, we were asked to think, and to analyze.
The relationships between creative and critical writing were the subject of many class discussions. Art is an expression of inner spiritual feelings. The creative artist is not required to explain the art, since the art serves as its own explanation. The critic then applies reason to dissect the art and search, compare, and explain.
I feel that the approach was a success for me personally. Most people do not seem to care about feelings in the classroom. At the university, everyone wants to know what the student thinks. Even if the question is "how do you feel about this?" what is meant is "What do you THINK about it?" I found assignments that gave me the opportunity to look inside myself very meaningful with respect to my personal growth and development. I have been able to express my deepest feelings of loneliness on paper, as well as search through various levels of consciousness looking for personal meaning in a newspaper clipping. A new world has been opened since I have been made consciously aware of my dreams. I was asked to look inside and express what I FEEL as well as what I think. THAT is a true learning experience, one that I will not forget right after finals are over. Dr. Rockwood, I thank you!
© Copyright 2002 by Robert J. R. Rockwood. All rights reserved.