A Curriculum Conundrum

Writers: Eimi, Elaine
Date Posted: 30th October 2005

Characters: Berjahir, Jio
Description: Berjahir interrogates Jio about subjects that hes been covering in class
Location: Vintner Hall
Date: month 8, day 19 of Turn 3

Berjahir strode through the halls of the Vintner Hall, looking for Jio's office. He had heard some disturbing news **well, not disturbing in itself,** he thought, nearing ever closer. It seems as though a Journeymen had been teaching his _personal_ research project.

He had unfortunately scared the youngsters while giving them the stern talking to they deserved for ignoring their current, and _traditional_
lessons. But now, that settled, he wanted to see what Jio was up to.

Berjahir knocked on the door, and began tapping his foot, waiting for a response.

"Come in," Jio called as he tested his newest batch of wine.

"Thanks," Berjahir said sarcastically under his breath. **Should open the door, acknowledge a visitor.** He thought as he barged in. So rather then speaking to Jio immediately he began looking, poking around the Journeyman's office.

"Master Berjahir, please feel free to have a seat. I am almost finished." The journeyman held the glass up to the light, swirling it in one hand while jotting down notes with his other.

"Actually, Journeymen Jio, I'd prefer to stand, for the moment at least." He said, taking a closer look at what the young man was working on. It wasn't that he disapproved of this line of study, it just wasn't part of the curriculum for apprentices. **I wonder what he _isn't_ covering to be exploring his research during lessons.**

Putting the glass down he smiled at the master. "Sorry to keep you waiting. It was the last note I needed to make. How can I help you, sir?"

"Hmm hmm, yes, yes." Berjahir mumbled a bit, gathering his thoughts.
"I wanted to discuss with you, the curriculum you've been using with the apprentices. I'm a bit curious, can you tell me what you've been covering, recently?"

"Spiced and aromatic wines," the journeymen replied without a pause.

"I see," Berjahir replied, that not being exactly the answer he was looking for. Too general. "Can you just, humor an old man Jio," he began circling around the office again, "and expand a bit more about the how and why to make spiced and aromatic wines?"

Jio wondered just what the master was up to. "Well, the how is by steeping the wine with herbs and spices. The why is usually for flavor, but like I am doing here, it can be for their medicinal value."

"So what, _exactly_, are you teaching the apprentices, I wonder?"
Berjahir said, continuing his line of questioning. He still wouldn't dignify Jio by looking at him, quite the opposite his back was too him with clasped behind, as if on inspection.

"I am teaching them about spiced and aromatic wines," Jio retorted, starting to feel the anger rise in him.

Berjahir finally spun around to face Jio. "do you think that tone is necessary Journeymen? I am just concerned. If, what I've heard is correct, it seems that you have deviated from the prescribed curriculum, bringing your _personal_ projects into the class room setting?" He paused, "... so is that correct?"

"Yes," the journeyman replied, making sure to keep his tone even.
Berjahir's moods were legendary. "I do teach the students about my work as _examples_ for the techniques we are asked to teach in the curriculum."

"do you think thats entirely appropriate?" Berjahir bit back. "As a teacher you are laying down a foundation, teaching general principles." Berjahir wasn't one to tell someone what they should be doing, but rather to make them realize it them self. "don't you agree that delving into experimental techniques and minor products may confuse students who don't yet have a firm grasp on foundational knowledge?"

"I'm trying to _give_ them a firm grasp on foundational knowledge.
What I am doing here is no different than what they would be doing to make spiced wine. I am showing them how herbs and spices can change the flavor of wine. That _is_ in the curriculum, Master Berjahir."

Berjahir harrumphed, skeptical. "Well," he couldn't seem to get Jio to admit his transgression. **The folly of youth** Berjahir thought before continuing. "Perhaps I've been a bit hasty, receiving news second hand. First hand experience is always best, isn't it Jio?"

Jio nodded and gave him a half smile. "And practical application. I think those are two things students will learn from."

"Well," Berjahir said nodding, again turning away from Jio. "I've got to admit I'm curious about what you've been trying. Perhaps..." he paused. "I can sit on some of your classes? Learn more about what you've been, experimenting with?" Berjahir was certain he wasn't kidding Jio, but how could the Journeymen say no, without great insult.

"You are welcome any time, sir." The journeyman had no intention of letting the master have the satisfaction of making him uncomfortable with the idea.

"Well then," Berjahir replied, taking his final glances around the place. "I know your schedule, we shall postpone the rest of this, enlightening conversation, until I learn a bit more, Hmmm? Till then, Journeymen?" he nodded, ready to leave.

"I'll be looking forward to it, Master Berjahir." Jio called after him, hoping the door didn't swing back and hit the master in the behind has he left...

Last updated on the October 30th 2005

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A Curriculum Conundrum