Last January 17, our class 3-4 had group conversations designed as a symposium. Each group and their discussions were centered on the main topic of ‘friendship’. The topics were researched and addressed by each individual student and group. The topics were found by the students and designed by the students. Professor Roger helped in the overall design and order. The topics were the following:
Group 1
a. Non-personal friendships
b. Imaginary friendships
c. What is a real or true friendship (survey)
d. The possibility of a close friendships
Group 2
a. The importance of the past and present in friendships
b. How friendships will be redefined in the future
c. What are the most important factors in true friendships
Group 3
a. We can make global friends
b. Is Facebook a help or hindrance towards friendships
c. Is there a counter-reaction to Facebook?
Each person became a semi-expert from their particular research and added a unique perspective that others within the group or class may have not considered. Each topic was explained, and each member of the group then discussed their opinions to each in a form of a town hall discussion. For example, the second group came to a consensus regarding two important factors of friendships. According to Yeo Sang Min, Kang Sun Hun, and Kim Sin Soon, friendships have to be about honesty and trust, and these are base on Lohan, and that honesty and trust can be only built on the past, present and future of that particular friendship. The third group mostly focused on the Facebook and its impact upon Korea and the world. Although no consensus was agreed upon on whether Facebook is having an overall good impact or not, it was noted that it is easy to make global friends, but there is an issue regarding the disclosure of personal information which everyone found disconcerting. One member of the third group discovered that there actually is a small counter-reaction group to Facebook and refuses to participate. They hold a belief that friendship must be based on face-to-face interactions.
Overall the group conversations were interesting and thought provoking. It is my belief that everyone had a great time and benefitted from the discussions.
Written by Lee, Seung Min from GEO Class 3-4
Edited by Professor Roger Foard & TA Jonathan
