This month we talked with Jenni Jenkins, the New Curiosity Shop's Philosophy tutor. Jenni teaches on the course "Me, Myself and Others."
Cloisters: Jenni, you are the tutor on our ‘Me, Myself and Others’ philosophy course. How did you come to be a teacher of philosophy?
Jenni: I sort of fell into it accidentally. After taking my degree at Swansea University 12 years ago I knew that I wanted to continue with research in philosophy. The Philosophy Department needed tutors there and then ---I was in the right place at the right time. Things have spiralled from there.
Cloisters: How would you describe the sort of student who would benefit from a philosophy course?
Jenni: I think everyone would benefit from studying Philosophy. Well I would say that wouldn’t I? It helps people to clarify their thoughts, to think rationally and to make some sense of the world. Very often though it is the more mature, reflective student who gets the most benefit from philosophy.
Cloisters: In what way does an online course offer an advantage to this group?
Jenni: Online learning is a fantastic way of getting to people who cannot or who do not want to leave their homes to study. The more mature student is often already in a full time job or has other commitments that prevent him/her from going to College or University.
Cloisters: Your own background includes a stint as an Open University student. Are there any experiences from those days that help you relate to the situation of a New Curiosity Shop student?
Jenni: Definitely. I know the ‘pain’ of having to study while everyone around you is enjoying themselves. Also, I realise how difficult it is sometimes to study at home with kids playing, and phones ringing around you. It is not always an easier option, but sometimes it is necessary.
Cloisters: Can we look forward to more philosophy courses in the New Curiosity Shop?
Jenni: I hope so. ‘What is Art’ is the next course that should be up and running by Easter. After that I have plans to run a course called 'Doubt and Certainty'. Philosophers must always question everything, even those things we take for granted. It is interesting to explore just what we can know as well as distinguishing knowledge from belief.
Cloisters: We'll be looking forward to
see how those turn out. Thank you for your time, Jenni.
