In Class: Freewrite

It was so nice to spend some time at home over Thanksgiving break.  Although finals were always in the back of my mind, I was really able to use the few days to relax.  Because I am from Chicago, I am limited by the times  I can go home and I try to take advantage of everyday I have with my family and friends.  I so enjoy getting real homemade food. My mom is such a good cook and the food here at TCU does not compare at all.  I look forward to that so much. I love sleeping in my big bed rather than a small twin and also having my own shower at home.  The weather was SO cold though. It snowed a little the first day I was in town.  It reminded me not to complain about Texas weather being cold because it is nothing compared to Chicago winters.  Even though I think you need snow during the Christmas holidays to make it perfect!

MY REAL: Unit III Proposal

For our Unit III project, Logan, Allie, and I have decided to discuss the issue of TCU going to the National Championship. All of our articles/evidence will be in support of TCU going to the championship game. 


We are going to use 4 different mediums to appeal to different audiences on this subject. Logan is working on an ESPN article that will appeal to, obviously, all of the sports fans around the world. So many guys are constantly getting updates on their phones/emails through the ESPN website, which means they're always checking it. It will be a good way to get this argument out to that population. 


Tracy is working on a letter to the BCS selection committee. This letter will be talking to the 'higher end' people in the BCS selection process. Hopefully persuading them to consider TCU as a viable candidate. This audience is narrow, but it's still very important to make sure that these important people know how much everyone believes TCU is deserving of a spot in the championship game. 


I am working on both a Fan page on Facebook, and a billboard. The Fan page("Support TCUs Drive to the National Championship") is going to be a good way to get the word out to the younger population. Almost everyone ages 25 and under have a Facebook, and if we invite as many friends as possible to this page, it will get noticed. Also, obviously all of our TCU friends will be in support of this, and it will hopefully get them rallied to expanding this argument out. Anyone and everyone is welcome to join this group! The billboard is also something important I'm working on. We haven't decided on our favorite picture yet, but we're just going to have a huge(legit) picture from a TCU game, and one or two words on it that will make a statement. Obviously, it has to be short enough so people driving by will be able to get the main idea of the visual. This is a powerful way to appeal to the Fort Worth/Dallas community in support of one of our home teams going to the National Championship. 


Overall, things are going great so far, and we're all really excited to keep expanding on this project. 

 

In Class: What I learned from last nights reading 2

I learned a lot from the reading from last night.  It talked about using logos that had ethos attached to them because it as an easy was for you to personally boost your own ethos and credibility.  Examples used in the book of logos that are well respected are the U.S. presidency seal, and also the mcdonalds "M" Logo.  The chap also talked about how using font can support your argument.  Different fonts have come to stand for different meanings over time. As odd as this might sound, I believe it is very true.  some font seems so "girly" and fun that it is hard to take seriously, however, such font might be perfect for a different project, just not ours.


Using what i learned in this chap seems like a very important thing to do.  I can use the BSC logo and also TCU logo or even the TCU football teach logo.  Each of these logos are well respected and would increase my groups ethos.  Also the font we will use for our t-shirts. letter to the president, and also add will have to be thought about in order to best support our argument.

For our English Unit 3 Project: Creating Public Arguments, my group and I have decided to debate the issue concerning TCU football and why they have not being able to play in that National Championship.  We will together make the argument that TCU deserves to go to the championship for numerous reasons.  Our different audiences we will be focusing on will be the BCS president, TCU students, and also the common public.

My group has come up with a ton of great ideas for the genres/mediums we would like to use when making our argument.  As discussed in class, we will be making a t-shirt.  I believe these t-shirts will be purple (of course!) and complete with a catchy saying and a logo or possibly even a picture.  We discussed going to Hobby Lobby as a group to create these shirts so we will have to see how they turn out.  Another medium we are considering using is to make an eye-catching add in a football magazine.  Our group has spent time finding pictures of the TCU football players in action and also of scoreboards after a win.  We feel these pictures would look great and give even more of a reason of why TCU should go to the championship. This add would be far more informative than our shirts but this makes sense because our add would be intended for an audience that was very into football.  For our written medium, we would like to write a letter for the president of the BSC explaining why TCU should be playing in the National Championship.  Our last medium that Allie has actually started working on is a Facebook page.  Our Facebook group titled, “TCU to the National Championship” is open to all TCU fans and I would love for anyone to join it!  Our homepage is complete with dates and times of TCU football games along with videos of the team.  Also, so far we have not run into any problems!

In Class: What I learned from last nights reading.

Well to start off, I learned a lot about more about how pictures can tell 100 words.  I always knew that, however, the book takes it a step farther.  We learn to look at the details of pictures.  One example I remember the best is a picture of a mans profile.  You can see his serious look on his face and while there are other aspects of the photo to take into consideration, his expression tells us a lot.  Also the use of punctuation (periods, commas, exclamation points, ect.) were discussed.  The book talked about how separating thoughts can sometimes be effective but at other times it can make a thought seem choppy and not make such as drastic of an effect as it would have without the interruption.  I never really thought how punctuation can make such a drastic change on the effectiveness of a statement or blurb.

Unit 3

For our English 20803 Unit 3 collaborative project, I will be working with Logan Luzzo and Allie Barnes.  My individual job title will be “the MC.”  My job title comes from the fact that I will be the head of the presentation.  Even though my primary responsibility will be the actual presentation, I will of course still be working along side Logan and Allie durning the planning and preparation of our project.  My participation in the making of our project makes logical sense for a few reasons.  First off, I am not the type of team member to just leave the work for someone else to do.  I am a very hands-on group member and like to know exactly what is going on.  Also, in order for me to give an effective presentation, I will need to be knowledgeable about everything pertaining to our group project.  I hope that my role in the group will be helpful and also useful to my other team members.  Logan, who is most knowledgeable about the BCS system, will be responsible for the written text relating to the BCS and how it affects TCU.  Allie on the other hand, will be working more on the visual part of the presentation.  As a talented artist, Allie will certainly be a great asset to our group!  I am very excited to work with Allie and Logan and to start brainstorming different ways to appeal to our diverse audience!

In Class: Ideal Group Work Situation

My idea group work situation would be very different than my past experiences.  I would like first off, for everyone to do their work.  I would like for my group to be working on an interesting project that we were all excited about.  We would be able to find times to work on the project that worked for everyone and all members would always be at the meetings.  We would use our time together efficiently, I hate when time is just wasted.  Especially when you have so much other stuff you could be doing! We would also be able to communicate with each other outside of the group work time in case someone stumbled upon a question or problem.  Food would be great to have and might even get the group thinking more.  I know its hard to concentrate on the task at hand if your hungry. 

Essay Two Proposal

After much research and consideration, I have decided to write about the outrageous income the creator of Facebook is earning.  His new film “Social Network” is making him quite the profit! I considered writing about the announcement of a mosque being build by Ground Zzero.  However, I feel that writing about “Social Network” is something that interests me a lot more. I intend to look online, on websites such as perezhilton.com and also movies.nytimes.com/movies/critics/critics-picks.  I need to however be careful to find sources that are only primary. I'm excited to learn more about this event that is causing such an uproar.

In Class: First paragraph

     Gold piping lines the shinny glass intriguing the potential new customers to come inside.  The cream colored square stones shoot high up into the sky as black, bold sign that reads, "NORDSTROM" sits boldly at the top.  Walking inside the heavy glass doors swing open with a simple push of a button and welcome you into a sophisticated shopping experience unlike many other stores.  Umbrella bags are placed perfectly by the front doors, assisting those who are axcious to shop on a rainy day.  They are also there to protect that expensive merchandise sitting freely just inside the second set of class doors. Once inside the final set of doors, the scent of tidiness and perfume mingle together to form a pleasant yet distinct smell.  The ceiling lights shine bright above the neatly folded clothing for men, women and children.  The shoes are lined-up perfectly with their toes in a straight line.  They sit on rich-colored wood that is cover in glass.

In Class: In class Peer-Review Workshops

I dont like in class peer-reviews that much.  It's nice just to have someone read over your paper to look for little errors that you might have missed, but overall, im not a fan.  I feel like sometimes they dont actually read your paper that carefully and just give you responses and questions about your paper that seem like they came out of left field. I have found that people sometimes suggest changes that I totally disagree with and then it makes me second guess my work.

In Class: Refelction of notes

New ideas!

 -Look at ethnicity/ gender of the workers. does this say something about the status?

 -Did the space seem too perfect, almost unwelcoming?

 -Pathos: skinny models wearing clothes all over store... making people want to be like them. giving the idea that the way they look is the way you need to look in order to fit into the society.:

-Logos: the way the clothes were hung up. Was there a ton of room to walk around?

-Did the fact that most employees were white has anything to do with who the store is trying to appeal to?

-Any plus size sections?

-Pay more attention to the outside of the store..  What did it look like?

building materials, 

doors,

colors, 

color of walls inside, 

more about lighting,

what is covering the walls.

-Womens' fancier attire being slower -perhaps because of the economy?

In Class: Observation Process

I hated it.  It's weird enough to just sit around for awhile in a public space but its even weirder to be sitting there/ walking around with a pen in my hand taking notes. Walking around  I would have just been seen as a normal person looking around the store but the paper I was carrying around quickly busted my cover.  I felt eyes staring at me when consumers and also employees saw what I was up to.  I could tell they were all wondering what I was doing but no one actually asked me.  I tried to get a feeling of the building from the outside and also the inside.  However from the notes I took, I see that i really need to focus on the outside of the building more.  I need to get a feel for what the outside stands for much like we did during class time with The Bank of America building. From what I remember from just pulling up and parking by the building, there is a ton of parking and bushes and trees.  Also a big NORDSTROM sign in black (if i remember correctly) was up high on the building.  Clearly I need to be more observant and take more notes on the outside.  After all that is the first impression people get of that store and might get ideas and make assumptions of what the store might be like inside.

Nordstroms

For my public space analysis I chose to write about Nordstroms.  While I spent some time there I noticed how there were many ethical, emotional, and logical appeals all over the store!  Listed below are the main appeals I noticed during my first trip to Nordstroms. Nordsrtoms has a lot of emotional appeal.  It makes consumers strive to want to fit into the popular culture Nordstroms is trying to show is “in” and fashionable.  I feel that this can make the consumers feel like they might not be good enough and stress them out.  I see this in the store because the prices are high and many people may walk in thinking they will never be able to afford the “Nordstorms’ lifestyle". Nordstroms is a very logical store.  I'm sure they have done a ton of research about their consumers and what they are looking for and interested in.  They have a logical set-up on the floor that flows for what certain consumers are looking for.  They have clothing sections for women separate from men and children.  They have all their purses and jewelry in one area, close to, but still separate from the make-up section. Regarding ethical appeal I feel that Nordstroms is seen as a high-class, well-regarded store with many positive features.  From my personal experience, they always have many knowledgeable employes who are willing to help you find whatever it may be you are looking for.

In Class: Logos Artifact

For my logos artifact I brought in my watch.  I believe it represents logos because it shows a lot about me by just looking at it.  It is logical for someone who like to be on time to wear a watch because it keeps them in check.  That might just seem like common sense, which it is, but common sense has to do with logos so I think it works out perfectly! My watch also has the date, a timer and military time on the face on it.  I feel like these are all logical things to have a watch and is very useful for someone who like to always keep up with thing.  It is a precise piece of jewelry that has a purpose to it rather than just wore for looks which makes it even more logical to keep on you!

Essay One Proposal

It took me quite awhile to decide on a location to write about for this first essay on analyzing a public space.  I brain-stormed a lot both in and out of class and was finally able to come up with the perfect place!  

After much deliberation, I decided to write about Nordstrom.  Nordstrom is a nation-wide shopping center full of nice clothing, accessories, make-up, and shoes.  I feel that this space is appealing to write about because I have shopped at Nordstrom for many years and as I have grown up, I feel that my experiences there have changed.  When I was younger I just remember being excited to get a balloon with the word, “NORDSTROM” written on it after I picked out a new pair of tennis shoes.  However, now that I am older, I sometimes find myself feeling temped to leave when just entering the building.  I have noticed that walking into Nordstroms with sweat pants on and your hair in a messy bun will often be greeted by a confused look.  A look from the cashiers and the clerks wondering why someone like you would be shopping at such a high-end store. As pathetic as that sounds, I have often found that to be true. However, though this assignment, I’m excited to see if I can find any positive yet unexpected changes while I am just sitting there taking notes. 

I am expecting to find a clean and tidy store filled with nicely dressed sales-people and the majority of the shoppers looking exactly the same.  From what I remember, I am expecting to find neatly folded clothes and perfectly lined-up shoes on shinny glass tables.

I feel like these pre-conceived ideas I have about Nordstrom may some-what influence my observations because I may unconsciously focus on what I’m already aware of.  However, I will try extra hard to over-look my pre-conceived notions while I spend time at the store.

In Class: Ethos Artifact

For my ethos artifact, I brought in my drivers license.  I brought this in because in order to have a license you have to be responsible, careful, and mature.  I had to take a drivers ed class and had to take many tests and complete many hours of driving time with an instructor just to be able to go to the DMV and have a final driving test.  If a police officer got my driver license, they would be able to learn much about me.  They would be able to see that I have a clean record which shows that I am respectable and trustworthy. This goes on to help support my character which ethos is all about! My license also shows my age and age plays a big role in the respect people give you.  In most cases, the older you are the more respectful people treat you and the more they look up to you.  People often feel that the older you are the more knowledgeable you are and also wise because you have experienced more life.

In Class: pathos in a public place

I still am not exactly sure where I want to write my essay on but I feel like Pathos could come into play regarding all the places I'm thinking about.  if i wrote about a park it could bring memories of childhood or good times i had there with friends.  If i decided to write about a restaurant i could write about a time i went there with my grandparents or other loved ones and how i had an amazing time there just talking to them.  I feel like a store or a shop could play into how certain ones are so high-class that people sometimes feel uncomfortable walking into them because the stores make them feel like they don't belong there by how they are dressed.  I actually like that idea because i can remember times id walk into nordstrom or some store like that and feel like the people working there were judging me up and down because i had on sweatpants and my hair in a messy bun.

In Class: Article Pathos

The artifact that I brought in is a Post Secret picture of a solider with a handwritten quote surrounding the solider.  The quote says, "I wish that my father could have been a soldier so that when people would ask why he was not there, I could tell them he died and not that he didn't care enough about me to be my dad." The picture and quote both contributes to pathos because the soldier is pointing his gun at something so it brings deep feelings of hate to the reader but also the quote is just so upsetting.  You can feel that authors pain described in this picture.  I found this picture on another blog site called "Post Secret."  This blog is full of pictures that use pathos to really send a message to the audience.  I however felt that for the post cards up during this past week, this was the one that best descried pathos to me.

Blog Posting: BP Commercial

        This is a very strong ad that uses many skill regarding argument that we have talked about in class.

Iris Cross is making an argument to inform us that although there has not been anymore oil leaking into the ocean for weeks, BP is still however working hard to get things back to normal.

This ad makes an argument to convince us that BP is making an effort to end the oil spill when it lists some positive statistic. An example of these statistics include that BP has, “committed $20 billion claims fund to cover lost income until people who are impacted can get back to work.”

I see this ad as almost a pray that Iris is saying.  Because her and her family are all effected by the oil spill, it seems like she is calling out to the country to gain everyones support. I feel that this is effective because it also uses pathos. Iris says that she was born in New Orleans and that her family still lives there.  I feel that telling the audience about her personal connection to New Orleans made the audience not only feel bad for Iris but that it also used logos.  I feel that logos was used here because it is only logical to see that Iris must really be doing all she can do because the spill has actually negatively effected her and her loved one.

I feel like the argument of definition in this ad is very strong. It is obvious that BP should be working as hard as they are seemingly doing in the ad because after all it is their fault. They were the ones whose mistakes caused the oil spill so they should responsible to fix it! I like that they are actually taking responsibility for this now instead of finding a scape-goat.

The proposal argument in this ad is also strong.  Iris informs the audience of steps that they are currently taking and also of the plans they have for the future.

In Class: Some places I could write about

Some places I could write about include..

-Starbucks

-Mall

-Lobby or dorm or building

-TCU bus

-Sports event

-Elevator

-Ice cream shop

-Airport (when I fly home)

-Park/playground

In Class: First Week of Class

I have really enjoyed my first week of class.  I really like most of my classes and I also have friends in all of them which is always great! I'm really happy/nervous that after this semester I will be done with core classes.  This means I need to figure out my major ASAP! I just created this new blog because the one from last year just wouldn't let me sign in!

First Blog

I am an undecided Sophomore from Chicago, IL.  I decided to take this course because it is required but also because I enjoy writing. I think I will be able to take a lot away from this course because I actually do like to write.  I feel that my experience with writing in and out of the classroom greatly differ.  When I am on Facebook or texting friends, I tend to focus less on proper punctuation, spelling, and grammar.  However in classes, I carefully check for those kind of errors.  I feel that my blog as made the argument that writing can be enjoyable by the fun fonts and the bright colors I used. I feel that it shows I am enthusiastic about this course.
I have read, understood, and agreed to the terms on the course syllabus!