Tuesday, March 24, 2009
They Say, I Say Ch 5 Exercise 1
In the passage by Julie Charlip, a social historian, the issue of social class in discussed via her own personal opinions and through supporting statements made by others. However, in the sharing of all information, Charlip is able to successfully set her own opinions apart from those of other people. For example, her passage was opened with a quote from Marx and Engels. To introduce their views Charlip clearly states, "Marx and Engels wrote". She then continues on and argues how she felt about the quotation saying, "if only that were true..". Charlip goes on and later shares her thoughts by saying things like, "I find myself...". Lastly, in setting up her argument on social class, she used a quote from one of her sociology professors and introduced it with, "his definition". Charlip followed this quotation up with her own opinion saying, "but I always felt". Clearly, in her passage on social class, Julie Charlip not only included the views of other people but also her feelings toward the subject matter. She distinguished the differences in opinions for the readers through successfully setting up each statement which lead to minimal confusion and a clear idea of her stance as the author.
They Say, I Say Ch 4 Exercise 1
In the article written by Jean Anyon, an education professor at Rutgers University, the ideas of other authors regrading social classes and their impact on educational experiences, behavior and curriculum's are summarized. After clearing stating the views of these authors, Anyon shares her personal opinion on the issue. "This article offers tentative empirical support (and qualification) of the above arguments by providing illustrative examples of differences in student work in classrooms in contrasting social-class communities," she argues. In analyzing her statements, I believe Jean Anyon agrees with the opinions of the authors but perhaps only to a certain point. She states that the article offers "empirical support (and qualification)" and provides "illustrative examples". In these statements, it is clear the Anyon obviously agrees with the supporting evidence that social classes impact education. However, in using the word tentative, Anyon allows for a small degree of uncertainty alluding to the fact she may not be one hundred percent convinced. In addition, the word "work" was italicized emphasizing that this may be the source that she found evidence which agree with the claims. In my opinion, this could mean that Anyon did not feel social classes completely hinder the opportunities of the scholars outside of their educational work.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Exercise 7.j
When glancing at this paper, it most resembles what is found within the pages of a magazine in terms of layout and design. Included throughout the paper are important quotations which are set off in a larger font and bolded. This technique is often used in newspaper or magazine articles to provide the reader with a sense of the overall purpose or importance of the topic at a glance. In addition, pictures were also included within the text with the words continuing on the sides of the image just as true for magazines and other published articles. The small captions provided at the bottom of each image explained the picture which again is similar to the layout of any magazine spread.
I believe that the appearance of the paper has great influence on the way the audience perceives it. Just as true for any given topic, the outward appearance sets the overall expectations. Textually, this paper is rather lengthy as it includes much information and research on the youth and rebellion over a ten year period. However, unlike many other academic papers, this particular essay included pictures and set of quotes. In my opinion, this feature made the essay more appealing to a potential reader. The visual images helped break up the text making it not as overwhelming. In addition, through a simple look at the images and quotations, the audience could get an understanding of what was taking place without having to read the entire essay. These simple features work to draw the audience in and captivate their attention in a quick manner.
Had the images been removed from the essay and it were to be re-formatted to resemble the typical college paper, I believe it would be much less appealing to the average person. As mentioned, the uniqueness of the essay in its including of images and enlarged text worked to draw in readers. It is much easier to read a paper of this sort verses a typical research paper as it feels more like pleasure reading and less of work. Design and layout can do a lot for a paper, and in my opinion this is the perfect example.
I believe that the appearance of the paper has great influence on the way the audience perceives it. Just as true for any given topic, the outward appearance sets the overall expectations. Textually, this paper is rather lengthy as it includes much information and research on the youth and rebellion over a ten year period. However, unlike many other academic papers, this particular essay included pictures and set of quotes. In my opinion, this feature made the essay more appealing to a potential reader. The visual images helped break up the text making it not as overwhelming. In addition, through a simple look at the images and quotations, the audience could get an understanding of what was taking place without having to read the entire essay. These simple features work to draw the audience in and captivate their attention in a quick manner.
Had the images been removed from the essay and it were to be re-formatted to resemble the typical college paper, I believe it would be much less appealing to the average person. As mentioned, the uniqueness of the essay in its including of images and enlarged text worked to draw in readers. It is much easier to read a paper of this sort verses a typical research paper as it feels more like pleasure reading and less of work. Design and layout can do a lot for a paper, and in my opinion this is the perfect example.
Persepolis Movie Review Draft 2
A comic book. I must admit it wasn’t the first thing that popped into my mind when I thought of textual works which were transformed into film. Although an adoring fan of The Notebook, A Walk to Remember and several other novels of the same sort which have now become available via other mediums, I was, for some reason, apprehensive about viewing the graphic novel Persepolis as a motion picture.
Less than a week after concluding my readings of Persepolis, the first comic book I have actually read cover to cover, I was indifferent about watching it on film. Because this was one of my first experiences with comics, I hadn’t seen any films versions and therefore did not know what to expect. I remember being informed that we would have to read the slides as the voiceovers were in French. I also recall my exact thoughts of, “Lovely, I get to turn around and reread something I just finished!”. However, as I began watching the first day, I was very pleasantly surprised.
Although viewing the film version of Persepolis isn’t the same experience as going to the new release on a Friday evening, grabbing a bag of warm buttery popcorn and kicking back in the large theatre chair, it was just as valuable of an occasion. The film grabbed my attention and kept me engaged through its ending. The scenes were not developed in following the same methods as standard film, but they flowed and the well articulated transition was incredibly important in my opinion. McCloud agrees when he writes, “Each successive frame of a movie is projected on exactly the same space-- the screen-- while each frame of comics must occupy a different space. Space does for comics what time does for film!” Just as in the graphic novel, subtle transition occurred as multiple events unfolded, all of which shaped Marjane Satrapi, the main character’s, life and supported the purpose of the comic. This effective technique made it feel as if I weren’t working my way through a 153 page graphic novel but instead that I was reliving the experiences with her.
In addition, the character development was another aspect making for a successful completion. In reading standard books, visual images are associated with characters. However, the comic book provides pictures which assists in putting a face with a name so to speak. For me, although provided with a visual image for each character, I still seemed to develop their personalities further and other traits including tone of voice. I was pleased to find that the film did an exceedingly well job of keeping the characters the way they were developed in the novel. For example, Marjane Satrapi was a spunky little girl growing up in Iran during the Islamic Revolution. In reading the comic, the things she does and her reaction to events associates her with the defined rebel personality. For the film, not only was her character consistent with these traits but the voice which read her lines matched. Although in a different language, the tone of the things she said, the speed at which it was said and the pitch often matched my expectations. In addition, even though each line had to be read, hearing the voices was of great value. As I mentioned earlier, I was concerned that I would just be reading the comic for a second time while watching it flash across a screen. However, the voices, though not understandable, moved the film along and made it more realistic as I was able to place myself within the situation more so than if they had not existed.
Lastly, the images and their motions was yet one more feature of the film which made it successful. The director kept the same sketches as seen in the graphic novel but the addition of movement provided for an engaging experience for the audience.
The New Yorker film critic Anthony Lane argues, “The film is largely in black-and-white, yet the result, far from seeming gloomy, has the pertness and the simplicity of a cutout. I found it, if anything, too simple. The faces are no more than tapered ovals, which makes some of the characters hard to distinguish, and I was left with the nagging, if ungallant, impression that I had been flipping through a wipe-clean board book entitled ‘Miffy and Friends Play with Islamic Fundamentalism’ .” When I first learned I would be reading this comic, especially with the sincere subject matter, I may have agreed with him. However, after completing the graphic novel and watching the film version I would argue his statements and agree with McCloud in that, “The world of comics is a huge and varied one. Our definition must encompass all these types.”
The graphic novel and the film version of Persepolis written by Marjane Satrapi, were both incredibly intriguing mediums of communication which took serious content matter and made it understandable for the larger audiences at hand. Both of these were very closely aligned containing few differences. I personally did not expect to enjoy either and especially not the film version. However, after viewing (and reading) this I will happily admit it is something which can be appreciated by many. I would highly recommend reading the graphic novel as it allows more freedom in one’s own development of the story but, I would not forgo viewing the film if given the opportunity. I believe it is worth it!
Less than a week after concluding my readings of Persepolis, the first comic book I have actually read cover to cover, I was indifferent about watching it on film. Because this was one of my first experiences with comics, I hadn’t seen any films versions and therefore did not know what to expect. I remember being informed that we would have to read the slides as the voiceovers were in French. I also recall my exact thoughts of, “Lovely, I get to turn around and reread something I just finished!”. However, as I began watching the first day, I was very pleasantly surprised.
Although viewing the film version of Persepolis isn’t the same experience as going to the new release on a Friday evening, grabbing a bag of warm buttery popcorn and kicking back in the large theatre chair, it was just as valuable of an occasion. The film grabbed my attention and kept me engaged through its ending. The scenes were not developed in following the same methods as standard film, but they flowed and the well articulated transition was incredibly important in my opinion. McCloud agrees when he writes, “Each successive frame of a movie is projected on exactly the same space-- the screen-- while each frame of comics must occupy a different space. Space does for comics what time does for film!” Just as in the graphic novel, subtle transition occurred as multiple events unfolded, all of which shaped Marjane Satrapi, the main character’s, life and supported the purpose of the comic. This effective technique made it feel as if I weren’t working my way through a 153 page graphic novel but instead that I was reliving the experiences with her.
In addition, the character development was another aspect making for a successful completion. In reading standard books, visual images are associated with characters. However, the comic book provides pictures which assists in putting a face with a name so to speak. For me, although provided with a visual image for each character, I still seemed to develop their personalities further and other traits including tone of voice. I was pleased to find that the film did an exceedingly well job of keeping the characters the way they were developed in the novel. For example, Marjane Satrapi was a spunky little girl growing up in Iran during the Islamic Revolution. In reading the comic, the things she does and her reaction to events associates her with the defined rebel personality. For the film, not only was her character consistent with these traits but the voice which read her lines matched. Although in a different language, the tone of the things she said, the speed at which it was said and the pitch often matched my expectations. In addition, even though each line had to be read, hearing the voices was of great value. As I mentioned earlier, I was concerned that I would just be reading the comic for a second time while watching it flash across a screen. However, the voices, though not understandable, moved the film along and made it more realistic as I was able to place myself within the situation more so than if they had not existed.
Lastly, the images and their motions was yet one more feature of the film which made it successful. The director kept the same sketches as seen in the graphic novel but the addition of movement provided for an engaging experience for the audience.
The New Yorker film critic Anthony Lane argues, “The film is largely in black-and-white, yet the result, far from seeming gloomy, has the pertness and the simplicity of a cutout. I found it, if anything, too simple. The faces are no more than tapered ovals, which makes some of the characters hard to distinguish, and I was left with the nagging, if ungallant, impression that I had been flipping through a wipe-clean board book entitled ‘Miffy and Friends Play with Islamic Fundamentalism’ .” When I first learned I would be reading this comic, especially with the sincere subject matter, I may have agreed with him. However, after completing the graphic novel and watching the film version I would argue his statements and agree with McCloud in that, “The world of comics is a huge and varied one. Our definition must encompass all these types.”
The graphic novel and the film version of Persepolis written by Marjane Satrapi, were both incredibly intriguing mediums of communication which took serious content matter and made it understandable for the larger audiences at hand. Both of these were very closely aligned containing few differences. I personally did not expect to enjoy either and especially not the film version. However, after viewing (and reading) this I will happily admit it is something which can be appreciated by many. I would highly recommend reading the graphic novel as it allows more freedom in one’s own development of the story but, I would not forgo viewing the film if given the opportunity. I believe it is worth it!
Friday, February 20, 2009
Persepolis Movie Review Draft 1
A comic book. I must admit it wasn’t the first thing that popped into my mind when I thought of textual works which were transformed into film. Although an adoring fan of The Notebook, A Walk to Remember and several other novels of the same sort which have now become available via other mediums, I was, for some reason, apprehensive about viewing the graphic novel Persepolis as a motion picture.
Less than a week after concluding my readings of Persepolis, the first comic book I have actually read cover to cover, I was indifferent about watching it on film. Because this was one of my first experiences with comics, I hadn’t seen any films versions and therefore did not know what to expect. I remember being informed that we would have to read the slides as the voiceovers were in French. I also recall my exact thoughts of, “Lovely, I get to turn around and reread something I just finished!”. However, as I began watching the first day, I was very pleasantly surprised.
Although viewing the film version of Persepolis isn’t the same experience as going to the new release on a Friday evening, grabbing a bag of warm buttery popcorn and kicking back in the large theatre chair, it was just as valuable of an occasion. The film grabbed my attention and kept me engaged through its ending. The scenes were not developed in following the same methods as standard film, but they flowed and the well articulated transition was incredibly important in my opinion. Just as in the graphic novel, subtle transition occurred as multiple events unfolded, all of which shaped Marjane Satrapi, the main character’s, life and supported the purpose of the comic. This effective technique made it feel as if I weren’t working my way through a 153 page graphic novel but instead that I was reliving the experiences with her.
In addition, the character development was another aspect making for a successful completion. In reading standard books, visual images are associated with characters. However, the comic book provides pictures which assists in putting a face with a name so to speak. For me, although provided with a visual image for each character, I still seemed to develop their personalities further and other traits including tone of voice. I was pleased to find that the film did an exceedingly well job of keeping the characters the way they were developed in the novel. For example, Marjane Satrapi was a spunky little girl growing up in Iran during the Islamic Revolution. In reading the comic, the things she does and her reaction to events associates her with the defined rebel personality. For the film, not only was her character consistent with these traits but the voice which read her lines matched. Although in a different language, the tone of the things she said, the speed at which it was said and the pitch often matched my expectations. In addition, even though each line had to be read, hearing the voices was of great value. As I mentioned earlier, I was concerned that I would just be reading the comic for a second time while watching it flash across a screen. However, the voices, though not understandable, moved the film along and made it more realistic as I was able to place myself within the situation more so than if they had not existed.
Lastly, the images and there motions was yet one more feature of the film which made it successful. The director kept the same sketches as seen in the graphic novel but the addition of movement provided for an engaging experience for the audience.
The graphic novel and the film version of Persepolis written by Marjane Satrapi, were both incredibly intriguing mediums of communication which took serious content matter and made it understandable for the larger audiences at hand. Both of these were very closely aligned containing few differences. I personally did not expect to enjoy either and especially not the film version. However, after viewing (and reading) this I will happily admit it is something which can be appreciated by many. I would highly recommend reading the graphic novel as it allows more freedom in one’s own development of the story but, I would not forgo viewing the film if given the opportunity. I believe it is worth it!
Less than a week after concluding my readings of Persepolis, the first comic book I have actually read cover to cover, I was indifferent about watching it on film. Because this was one of my first experiences with comics, I hadn’t seen any films versions and therefore did not know what to expect. I remember being informed that we would have to read the slides as the voiceovers were in French. I also recall my exact thoughts of, “Lovely, I get to turn around and reread something I just finished!”. However, as I began watching the first day, I was very pleasantly surprised.
Although viewing the film version of Persepolis isn’t the same experience as going to the new release on a Friday evening, grabbing a bag of warm buttery popcorn and kicking back in the large theatre chair, it was just as valuable of an occasion. The film grabbed my attention and kept me engaged through its ending. The scenes were not developed in following the same methods as standard film, but they flowed and the well articulated transition was incredibly important in my opinion. Just as in the graphic novel, subtle transition occurred as multiple events unfolded, all of which shaped Marjane Satrapi, the main character’s, life and supported the purpose of the comic. This effective technique made it feel as if I weren’t working my way through a 153 page graphic novel but instead that I was reliving the experiences with her.
In addition, the character development was another aspect making for a successful completion. In reading standard books, visual images are associated with characters. However, the comic book provides pictures which assists in putting a face with a name so to speak. For me, although provided with a visual image for each character, I still seemed to develop their personalities further and other traits including tone of voice. I was pleased to find that the film did an exceedingly well job of keeping the characters the way they were developed in the novel. For example, Marjane Satrapi was a spunky little girl growing up in Iran during the Islamic Revolution. In reading the comic, the things she does and her reaction to events associates her with the defined rebel personality. For the film, not only was her character consistent with these traits but the voice which read her lines matched. Although in a different language, the tone of the things she said, the speed at which it was said and the pitch often matched my expectations. In addition, even though each line had to be read, hearing the voices was of great value. As I mentioned earlier, I was concerned that I would just be reading the comic for a second time while watching it flash across a screen. However, the voices, though not understandable, moved the film along and made it more realistic as I was able to place myself within the situation more so than if they had not existed.
Lastly, the images and there motions was yet one more feature of the film which made it successful. The director kept the same sketches as seen in the graphic novel but the addition of movement provided for an engaging experience for the audience.
The graphic novel and the film version of Persepolis written by Marjane Satrapi, were both incredibly intriguing mediums of communication which took serious content matter and made it understandable for the larger audiences at hand. Both of these were very closely aligned containing few differences. I personally did not expect to enjoy either and especially not the film version. However, after viewing (and reading) this I will happily admit it is something which can be appreciated by many. I would highly recommend reading the graphic novel as it allows more freedom in one’s own development of the story but, I would not forgo viewing the film if given the opportunity. I believe it is worth it!
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Non School Related Blog 2
Oh what a week! Last Sunday, as I recovered from a relaxing two days spent in the nice warm sunny weather, I was bombarded with a large review packet for my Chemistry class. Now this wasn’t just any packet, this was a fairly large set of questions, most of which required deep thought or multiple calculations. And although I have a fond love of Chemistry, it was just not how I wanted to conclude my weekend and begin my week. However, I guess the bright side is it got me back in the mindset to do work.. and quickly.
Tuesday, I have my 8 am lab. Unfortunately, I did not have time to complete my lab report before Monday evening and was really very truly pleased at 2:30 am Tuesday morning when I was still sitting awake generating graphs. And yes, I was even more delighted by the nagging sound of my alarm at 6:30 am after my mere four hours of sleep. Oh, did I mention I had a Calculus exam I had to take that evening?! Wednesday wasn’t a quite day for me either. I had my first Chemistry exam which I was just relieved to get behind me and a quiz for my math class. An exam and quiz within a 48 hour period… a bit ridiculous if you ask me. By Thursday I was simply tried and ready for my week to just be over. Although I had made it past the obstacles of demanding courses, I was exhausted and once again ready for my two favorite days.
The weekend was great although it seemed to fly by. I was able to sleep in. These days anything past 8 am is a treat for me. I also finally made it to the movie my mom had been hounding me to go and see since last week, Taken. It was awesome and I would highly recommend it to anyone =) All in all, I am well rested and ready to gear up for other week filled with the fun of demanding classes at Virginia Tech!
Tuesday, I have my 8 am lab. Unfortunately, I did not have time to complete my lab report before Monday evening and was really very truly pleased at 2:30 am Tuesday morning when I was still sitting awake generating graphs. And yes, I was even more delighted by the nagging sound of my alarm at 6:30 am after my mere four hours of sleep. Oh, did I mention I had a Calculus exam I had to take that evening?! Wednesday wasn’t a quite day for me either. I had my first Chemistry exam which I was just relieved to get behind me and a quiz for my math class. An exam and quiz within a 48 hour period… a bit ridiculous if you ask me. By Thursday I was simply tried and ready for my week to just be over. Although I had made it past the obstacles of demanding courses, I was exhausted and once again ready for my two favorite days.
The weekend was great although it seemed to fly by. I was able to sleep in. These days anything past 8 am is a treat for me. I also finally made it to the movie my mom had been hounding me to go and see since last week, Taken. It was awesome and I would highly recommend it to anyone =) All in all, I am well rested and ready to gear up for other week filled with the fun of demanding classes at Virginia Tech!
Spider Man 2 Reviews- Suggestions for Writing #2
“Everyone is entitled to their own opinion.” It is a catch phrase we have all heard and even experienced. Although we may not always see eye to eye with others or even slightly understand their views for that matter, we must learn to except our differences. In reading both of the Spider Man 2 reviews from two well respected movie critics, it becomes very clear that people see and evaluate things through varying circumstances which impact their overall perspective on the given topic.
The first review was written by Todd Gilchrist from FilmStew.com. Although Gilchrist readily admits to his likings of the original Spider Man film adaptation which was released in 2002, he does not share the same fondness for the sequel. Through out his review, he stated how he was bothered by the sequence and pace of the storyline. Gilchrist focused on this as a creditable issue and strongly believed that it caused the movie to lose some of its value. He shared that he just felt some unimportant scenes were too drawn out and caused him to want to stand up and shout “Okay! We get this!”. He also felt that the methods used to relay points to the audience were sometimes ineffective as it was constant and unnecessary reinforcement. Although there were a few aspects which Gilchrist enjoyed from the movie Spider Man 2, he seemed to find the plot and certain scenes a disappointment as he strongly believed there was greater potential to make this film the new “greatest comic book adaptation” .
On the other hand, Roger Ebert, a renowned film critic for the Chicago Sun-Times, thoroughly enjoyed his experience of watching Spider Man 2. Ebert focused his review on the fact that unlike many superhero based films, Spider Man 2 allowed for a deeper connection with the human side of the characters. He shared that he really felt the movie associating everyday problems and encounters allowed for a reaching out to the larger audience at hand, something very important to Ebert. He also slightly mentioned the special effects within his review saying they were exceptionally well done and adding that it was life like. Finally, Ebert mentioned the actors playing each of the main characters and the effect he thought their fulfilling the role had on the film overall.
In conclusion, both Todd Gilchrist and Roger Ebert wrote film reviews on the highly popular film adaptation of the comic series Spider Man 2. Although each man had their own opinions and perceptions of the movie, both analyzed similar techniques within the reviews. Each touched on the movement of the film associated with the plot. Both looked at how the director and screenwriters were responsible for the failures and successes of Spider Man 2. Despite differing views of the methods used, both critics used similar basis for critiquing the film. In addition, I found it really interesting that Gilchrist enjoyed Spider Man but did not like Spider Man 2. Ebert, however, found Spider Man 2 to be a successful adaptation which would satisfy any audience while he was disappointed in Spider Man. To me, this points back to their personal preferences. Although an effective review steps back and evaluates the given material based on a certain set of techniques, opinions are a large part and ultimately impacts the overall judgment of the work which is made very clear in these two reviews!
The first review was written by Todd Gilchrist from FilmStew.com. Although Gilchrist readily admits to his likings of the original Spider Man film adaptation which was released in 2002, he does not share the same fondness for the sequel. Through out his review, he stated how he was bothered by the sequence and pace of the storyline. Gilchrist focused on this as a creditable issue and strongly believed that it caused the movie to lose some of its value. He shared that he just felt some unimportant scenes were too drawn out and caused him to want to stand up and shout “Okay! We get this!”. He also felt that the methods used to relay points to the audience were sometimes ineffective as it was constant and unnecessary reinforcement. Although there were a few aspects which Gilchrist enjoyed from the movie Spider Man 2, he seemed to find the plot and certain scenes a disappointment as he strongly believed there was greater potential to make this film the new “greatest comic book adaptation” .
On the other hand, Roger Ebert, a renowned film critic for the Chicago Sun-Times, thoroughly enjoyed his experience of watching Spider Man 2. Ebert focused his review on the fact that unlike many superhero based films, Spider Man 2 allowed for a deeper connection with the human side of the characters. He shared that he really felt the movie associating everyday problems and encounters allowed for a reaching out to the larger audience at hand, something very important to Ebert. He also slightly mentioned the special effects within his review saying they were exceptionally well done and adding that it was life like. Finally, Ebert mentioned the actors playing each of the main characters and the effect he thought their fulfilling the role had on the film overall.
In conclusion, both Todd Gilchrist and Roger Ebert wrote film reviews on the highly popular film adaptation of the comic series Spider Man 2. Although each man had their own opinions and perceptions of the movie, both analyzed similar techniques within the reviews. Each touched on the movement of the film associated with the plot. Both looked at how the director and screenwriters were responsible for the failures and successes of Spider Man 2. Despite differing views of the methods used, both critics used similar basis for critiquing the film. In addition, I found it really interesting that Gilchrist enjoyed Spider Man but did not like Spider Man 2. Ebert, however, found Spider Man 2 to be a successful adaptation which would satisfy any audience while he was disappointed in Spider Man. To me, this points back to their personal preferences. Although an effective review steps back and evaluates the given material based on a certain set of techniques, opinions are a large part and ultimately impacts the overall judgment of the work which is made very clear in these two reviews!
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Graff Chapter 1 Exercise 1
A. Following recent discoveries, experts are now suggesting that there are dangerous levels of Chemical X in the Ohio groundwater.
B. Many critics believe the novel contains numerous flaws.
C. Many women believe that football is a boring spectator sport.
D. Recent studies suggest that male students tend to dominate class discussions significantly more than females.
E. Multiple movie reviews suggest that the film's underlying purpose is the focus on problems of romantic relationships.
F. It is not uncommon for one to remark that the use of templates in writing will become a stifle to their creativity.
B. Many critics believe the novel contains numerous flaws.
C. Many women believe that football is a boring spectator sport.
D. Recent studies suggest that male students tend to dominate class discussions significantly more than females.
E. Multiple movie reviews suggest that the film's underlying purpose is the focus on problems of romantic relationships.
F. It is not uncommon for one to remark that the use of templates in writing will become a stifle to their creativity.
Non School Related Blog 1
As I sit and finish up some last minute homework I cannot help but to think about how close I am to the weekend.. and finally! Since late last week, I have been under the weather fighting a head and chest cold. My whole weekend was sadly dedicated to sleeping hour after hour and taking what seemed to be like endless medications. Although I am finally beginning to feel a little better, I have more than enough work ahead of me to catch up on things I just could not do this week. But hey, at least I won't have to wake up before 8 am and track across the freezing cold drill field. And speaking of the weather.. I love watching the snow and enjoying it while it is around but I am really looking forward to spring. It is supposed to be really nice out this weekend and that just makes it all the more appealing. I absolutely love life in Blacksburg, but I would enjoy it even more with warm sun shine instead of the sniffles that accompany this icy cold weather.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Eisner and McCloud
After reading all of the PDF’s by Eisner and McCloud, I feel I have been provided with an insight on the world comics and how they are made successful. Although I personally am not particularly prone to read comics, I feel they are just as worthy as a novel or movie. Until reading these documents, I was unaware of all the work required to complete a successful comic strip.
As a child, I would occasionally glance in the Sunday morning paper to read the funny pages but that is the extent of my experiences with comics besides working with them a bit in English 1105. Through this course I learned that they are used visually to convey messages and are often successful as we are more likely to take the time to look at a persuasive visual such as a comic over an essay. However, after reading Eisner and McCloud’s pieces on the production of comics I see just how involved they are. Not only does the arrangement and font used for the text set the tone for the comic strip but the amount of frames also plays a huge determining factor. In addition, as Eisner pointed out, the amount of space between each frame sets the pace for the overall comic. These are things in which I have never considered but now understand important they are in the drawing of these pieces.
I found it very interesting how McCloud pointed out that we as humans are very selfish and associate every image with our own features. I believe this is very true and agree with him that it does play a factor in our giving meanings to images. Although comic strips are not something which I would read for pleasure, I believe much talent is required in completing a successful comic and there is a need for greater appreciation of them.
As a child, I would occasionally glance in the Sunday morning paper to read the funny pages but that is the extent of my experiences with comics besides working with them a bit in English 1105. Through this course I learned that they are used visually to convey messages and are often successful as we are more likely to take the time to look at a persuasive visual such as a comic over an essay. However, after reading Eisner and McCloud’s pieces on the production of comics I see just how involved they are. Not only does the arrangement and font used for the text set the tone for the comic strip but the amount of frames also plays a huge determining factor. In addition, as Eisner pointed out, the amount of space between each frame sets the pace for the overall comic. These are things in which I have never considered but now understand important they are in the drawing of these pieces.
I found it very interesting how McCloud pointed out that we as humans are very selfish and associate every image with our own features. I believe this is very true and agree with him that it does play a factor in our giving meanings to images. Although comic strips are not something which I would read for pleasure, I believe much talent is required in completing a successful comic and there is a need for greater appreciation of them.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Exercise 4.m
When I receive an assignment to complete an essay there are many steps which I follow before handing in the final product. After the assignment and guidelines are fully explained, I begin pondering the things in which I want to include in my paper. This consists of everything from overall points to support the thesis to details which may make the essay more interesting to readers. Once I have thought things out a bit, I typically jot them down in an outline based form to ensure I don’t forget to include anything when I actually begin composing.
Next, I generally sit with my laptop at my desk where there are no distractions and I can focus on my work. Personally, I believe the hardest part of the entire assignment begins at this point. I always have to work for several minutes on an opening which satisfies my own expectations. However, once I get the paper going I generally just write it to its entirety on my computer in a single setting as I like begin able to get thoughts out and then easily reword or change them. After I have completed the first rough draft of an essay, I walk away from it for a few hours before returning. I then opt to read the essay aloud so that I can hear how it sounds and I tend to catch more mistakes this way. This also helps me to locate areas that do not flow very well and ones in which I simply want to improve within the paper.
Next, I prefer to read the essay aloud to someone else or have them read it. I make any corrections caught by this individual and am then confident in taking it to class for peer editing and so on. To me, peer editing is an excellent opportunity for a writer if used correctly. Although every person who edit’s a paper isn’t going to provide the same type of feedback, it does bring attention to problematic areas. I also feel that unlike many other readers of the essay, peers fully understand the assignment and can therefore point out aspects that may have been overlooked by the writer. Because I like receiving specific feedback about my work, I try to have a basic idea of what the paper will consist of for this process but know it isn’t the final draft. Once having gone through peer review, I make any additional corrections, do one last aloud reading and am then ready to turn in the completed final copy of the assignment!
Next, I generally sit with my laptop at my desk where there are no distractions and I can focus on my work. Personally, I believe the hardest part of the entire assignment begins at this point. I always have to work for several minutes on an opening which satisfies my own expectations. However, once I get the paper going I generally just write it to its entirety on my computer in a single setting as I like begin able to get thoughts out and then easily reword or change them. After I have completed the first rough draft of an essay, I walk away from it for a few hours before returning. I then opt to read the essay aloud so that I can hear how it sounds and I tend to catch more mistakes this way. This also helps me to locate areas that do not flow very well and ones in which I simply want to improve within the paper.
Next, I prefer to read the essay aloud to someone else or have them read it. I make any corrections caught by this individual and am then confident in taking it to class for peer editing and so on. To me, peer editing is an excellent opportunity for a writer if used correctly. Although every person who edit’s a paper isn’t going to provide the same type of feedback, it does bring attention to problematic areas. I also feel that unlike many other readers of the essay, peers fully understand the assignment and can therefore point out aspects that may have been overlooked by the writer. Because I like receiving specific feedback about my work, I try to have a basic idea of what the paper will consist of for this process but know it isn’t the final draft. Once having gone through peer review, I make any additional corrections, do one last aloud reading and am then ready to turn in the completed final copy of the assignment!
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Workshopping Draft
I believe a draft used in the process of workshopping should have had some thought and work put into it. Although workshopping is meant to receive peer review for improvement of one’s work, a true idea of what the final paper will consist of will help to provide more effective advice. If the writer were to only “throw together” ideas, the feedback would most likely be more general such as the addition of detail or examples. However, if the text being evaluated was written with more thought and care, the individual workshopping the draft could provide extremely productive feedback which is specific to certain aspects of the paper. Although it is good for a writer to start by simply throwing out ideas and then organizing them, this should be done well before a workshopping draft is composed. Therefore, when one looks over a draft while workshopping it should appear to be a clearly organized paper with a thesis and distinct paragraphs. This is not the final paper but it should still have effort put into it so that detailed suggestions can be made which should make it more successful in the end.
If I were to workshop Essay R, I would have many general suggestions for the writer. Because the paper was filled with so many mistakes, it would be very difficult to provide specific corrections for the entire essay. However, I would definitely suggest they work on all aspects of grammar taking special note of fragments, punctuation, commas and the switching of tenses. I would also suggest each paragraph have a distinct purpose relative to the thesis which needs to be stated in the opening paragraph. In addition, I would ask that more factual information be provided verses opinion especially concerning wrestling in the 80’s. The last suggestion I would give the writer is to add more similarities as the assignment did call for comparison and contrasting.
If I were to workshop Essay R, I would have many general suggestions for the writer. Because the paper was filled with so many mistakes, it would be very difficult to provide specific corrections for the entire essay. However, I would definitely suggest they work on all aspects of grammar taking special note of fragments, punctuation, commas and the switching of tenses. I would also suggest each paragraph have a distinct purpose relative to the thesis which needs to be stated in the opening paragraph. In addition, I would ask that more factual information be provided verses opinion especially concerning wrestling in the 80’s. The last suggestion I would give the writer is to add more similarities as the assignment did call for comparison and contrasting.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Exercise 2.h
1. I believe the rhetorical situation to which this text is a response is a college student stating facts and his own opinions in a newspaper article in an attempt to persuade the readers not to vote for Hilary Clinton in the 2008 election. The writer of the article’s main purpose is to sway the votes of the undecided and help others understand while he feels Clinton is not fit for the position of President while West simply was completing a rhetorical analysis of the piece. The audience of the original article is any reader of the Collegiate Times while West’s audience is his professor, classmates and any reader of the original article.
2. The genre conventions I recognize in Bryan West’s analysis are those of any rhetorically sound text. The purpose of the analysis and the audience seems to be kept in mind while writing the piece. He also made use of the of the types of rhetoric (pathos, logos, and ethos) although logos was the main convention used as it was analysis meaning it consisted mostly of factual information. I have written many things in this genre before including many rhetorical analysis of cultural artifacts and election speeches in English 1105 and other papers in high school. I have also read many things in this genre before including book and movie reviews and my peers papers in past classes. The rhetorical conventions are becoming very familiar to me as it is something which was stressed in my previous classes.
3. Another genre West may have used to achieve the same purposes for the same audience could be a speech or perhaps even a visual. The advantages of using the analysis is that it is mostly neutral and unbiased as it states the facts. However, some may find this to be boring or uninteresting and therefore forgo taking the time to read it. The advantages of a speech or visual is that it is more personal and would allow West to incorporate more of his own opinions. However, the disadvantage of this is that those opposing his views may dismiss it altogether.
4. Another genre the author may use to communicate his purposes to a difference audience altogether is a comical paper. This would allow him to poke fun at the points he disagrees with and continue to elaborate on the things he agrees with through jokes. This would most likely appeal to a younger audience or anyone who doesn’t prefer to take things very seriously. The writer would need to adapt his persuasive appeal by not using as much logos but instead focusing on the emotional appeal of pathos.
5. I believe that the conventions present in this writing could be used in almost any profession. His goals were to write a rhetorically sound piece while keeping in mind audience, purpose and the three appeals. This makes for a strong and sound textual analysis and any good writing would contain these same tactics. West’s essay was a review and therefore consisted more of logos while other occupations may differ in this aspect depending on their own personal goals. For example, a scientist would probably tend to use more logos while a social workers would perhaps focus more on pathos.
2. The genre conventions I recognize in Bryan West’s analysis are those of any rhetorically sound text. The purpose of the analysis and the audience seems to be kept in mind while writing the piece. He also made use of the of the types of rhetoric (pathos, logos, and ethos) although logos was the main convention used as it was analysis meaning it consisted mostly of factual information. I have written many things in this genre before including many rhetorical analysis of cultural artifacts and election speeches in English 1105 and other papers in high school. I have also read many things in this genre before including book and movie reviews and my peers papers in past classes. The rhetorical conventions are becoming very familiar to me as it is something which was stressed in my previous classes.
3. Another genre West may have used to achieve the same purposes for the same audience could be a speech or perhaps even a visual. The advantages of using the analysis is that it is mostly neutral and unbiased as it states the facts. However, some may find this to be boring or uninteresting and therefore forgo taking the time to read it. The advantages of a speech or visual is that it is more personal and would allow West to incorporate more of his own opinions. However, the disadvantage of this is that those opposing his views may dismiss it altogether.
4. Another genre the author may use to communicate his purposes to a difference audience altogether is a comical paper. This would allow him to poke fun at the points he disagrees with and continue to elaborate on the things he agrees with through jokes. This would most likely appeal to a younger audience or anyone who doesn’t prefer to take things very seriously. The writer would need to adapt his persuasive appeal by not using as much logos but instead focusing on the emotional appeal of pathos.
5. I believe that the conventions present in this writing could be used in almost any profession. His goals were to write a rhetorically sound piece while keeping in mind audience, purpose and the three appeals. This makes for a strong and sound textual analysis and any good writing would contain these same tactics. West’s essay was a review and therefore consisted more of logos while other occupations may differ in this aspect depending on their own personal goals. For example, a scientist would probably tend to use more logos while a social workers would perhaps focus more on pathos.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Essay R
I would give Essay R a C- if I were grading it. This essay contained many grammatical errors including incorrect punctuation, sentence fragments, changes in tenses and typos. Perhaps having proof read would have been of benefit as it could have at the least eliminated the simple mistakes of typing the wrong word. In addition, I feel this essay was poorly organized. There was little to no transition between paragraphs. Also, it was difficult to distinguish the overall purpose of each paragraph. Maybe outlining the points in the opening that would be made through out the essay would have made it easier to read and understand. I liked how in the ending the counterargument was presented that some may disagree that the wrestling industry has evolved over the last few years but details to support the claim would have been beneficial. Although the writer seemed to have a passion for the industry and much knowledge, I believe better planning and more organization is needed.
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