End of class

Throughout the year, we have done many different activities. Most of the activities i found very fun and interesting. The one thing that we did that i thought was the most fun was the commercials our groups made. It was a good way to further investigate our topics that we chose as groups. The activity that i liked the least would have to be actual community based writing paper. It was a lot of time consuming work. My blog definitely reflected my use of technology. I was taught new technological concepts through my blog and other in class activities that we did. The War and Rhetoric blog project was a good technological interaction between classes. It was fun to see the ideas of other students in different classes. Since there were many different people commenting on the same song, there were many different ideas as well. The blog project was a type of mediation activity. Many different views can be seen. The war and rhetoric project helped me to see different sides of the song that i would have never even thought of by myself.

12 Angry Men

The movie 12 Angry Men is a great example of argumentative speech and persuasion. At the beginning of the movie the viewers are informed of the facts of the case. It appears to be a very simple case with an inevitable verdict of guilty. The jurors take an initial vote to see where everyone stands. All but one juror votes guilty. The jurors are shocked to know that someone has doubts of the boy's guilt. The rest of the movie is dedicated to arguments back and forth between the jurors. One by one, juror 8 sways the votes of the jurors. He very effectively breaks down each piece of evidence and testimony. He calmly and in a effective manner argues against the evidence suggesting that there is reasonable doubt. As he makes his arguments, the jurors see that this case might not be so simple. Reasonable doubt is seen by every one of the jurors by the end of the movie. Without juror number 8, the boy would've been sent to the electric chair. Even though the boy is not proven innocent, the jury does the best thing they can to argue the facts to decide that there is reasonable doubt that he is in fact guilty.

LR Midterm

Throughout the semester, I have learned many skills that have helped my writing and critical thinking skills. The course is not over yet, and I realize that I still have much to learn. I came into the class not knowing what to expect, and have gained much needed English skills. I believe that I completed the assigned tasks to the best of my ability. Assignments such as the community based writing assignment helped to enhance many fields of education. Research, collaboration, and critical thinking all were major parts of the assignment. I believe that I understand the importance of these fields and have worked hard to increase my knowledge of these subjects. I feel that I have been a good student with perfect attendance, and a desire to learn. This is why I feel that a grade of a 93 would be suitable. I have devoted the proper amount of time to English 103. I have spent the necessary amount of time on each individual assignment. Through these assignments, I have learned a lot. I have learned more about the Information design and technology area through blog assignments. This was a new concept to me at the beginning of the semester, and I am glad I gained that piece of knowledge. Assignments such as the art gallery review really focus of rhetoric and critical thinking. There is no real answer to the questions. These papers have more to do with the individual’s feelings. I believe I expressed my views on these subjects in a clear, concise, orderly manner. During English lab, many of these same critical thinking skills are reinforced. The photo essay assignment teaches more research skills and rhetoric and critical thinking skills as well. In English lab, I have performed the necessary tasks to become an A student. I spent much time researching the Annotated Bibliography. Even though I have learned a lot in my short time in English 103, I feel that there is much room for improvement. I feel that it is possible for me to explore more in depth the subjects of which I am writing about. I want to try to really understand my subject matter. I will try to take more time and examine things for the rest of the semester. I don’t feel that there is much room for improvement for the class as a whole. Any adjustments should be minor. I think that the class is organized and run in a very efficient, fun, and beneficial style. At this point in time, I would not change anything about that course or the teachings. In conclusion, I feel that I have put in the time, and done the necessary tasks to earn around a 93 in English 103.

Parody and Satire

I really enjoyed our class discussion on parody and satire. Watching the video clips helped to illustrate the concepts better. I learn better visually, and i believe that there is no better way to learn than watching Family Guy and Robot Chicken. Both shows rely heavily on parody and satire for humor. They are two great examples of these techniques. I thought it was a good way to educate and entertain at the same time.

In-Class Debate

I believe that the debate in class was a fun activity. It was a good way to practice debate skills. Researching strategies had to be used to come up with information to be used in the debate. Opening and closing arguments provided a platform to use persuasive writing and speech. It was all in all a good chance to practice writing and speaking techniques. It is a lot easier to practice these skills in a fun environment such as a debate.

coke vs. pepsi

A round with George

If I could play a game with any person, I think that I would want to play a round of golf with George Bush. It would be interesting to just talk with him about his policies and try to understand his thinking. His decisions have been very controversial throughout his presidency. I would like to know how he feels about other peoples' reactions. I know that there are more significant people throughout history, but George Bush is the present. His decisions affect the current state of the United States and the world. He will end up having a bigger impact on history than people think. It would be fun to play a round of golf with George Bush.