U.S.-China Relations required a substantial use of primary and secondary sources.  One of the main challenges I faced was not being able to access Chinese sources. This was made more difficult by the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic which restricted my access to certain sources.  However, it provided a unique opportunity to use available sources to interpret and synthesize information. 

Although I was forced to rely heavily on sources from the U.S. perspective, this further developed my ability to interpret and synthesize information.  Since there was little information to represent Chinese perspectives, I found myself frequently adjusting the means by which I obtained information.  Being limited mostly to sources from the U.S. meant that interpretation was especially important.  It was largely through the observations of other scholars that I was able to contextualize information in primary sources. 

During my research for this course, I was required to use critical thinking in my selection of sources.  Applying my knowledge of interpretation and synthesis made this process more reliable.  Using some of the knowledge I gained in other courses helped me understand how interpretation and synthesis could be used to confront the dilemmas I faced with sources.  Understanding the role of each source in my research added to my ability to interpret and synthesize information. 

This course provided an opportunity to challenge my understanding of interpretation and synthesis.  By implementing the knowledge gained in other courses, I was able to solve new and challenging problems.  These challenges combined with critical thinking allowed me to use sources in a conjunctive manner.  My experiences from this course have prepared me for a museum career by developing my critical thinking and ability to interpret and synthesize information.