Draft of Open Letter

In the following post, I provide the link to the draft of my open letter as well as a a paragraph directed to my peers, who will be editing my letter.

Appelo, Jurgen "360-Degree Feedback" 11/23/2010 via flickr. Attribution 2.0 Generic License.

The link to my Open Letter can be found HERE.

To My Peers:

The main thing I'm concerned with in my draft is whether or not I've included enough citations to my own work. I was having a difficult time finding places to add in a reference to another blog post without it seeming totally random and uncalled for. I would also like to know whether or not my letter seemed to generally be headed in the right direction. Writing it, I felt I was drifting away from the purpose of the prompt, and I definitely don't want that to translate into my final product. Thank you! 

The drafts I edited are linked below:

Morgan's draft
Carter's draft

Reflecting More on My Writing Experiences

In the following post, I will further reflect on my writing experiences this semester by considering my past blogs, projects, and reviews throughout the course.

ibangfotografi "Nature Reflection" 4/8/2014 via flickr. CC0 Public Domain License.

1. What were the biggest challenges you faced this semester, overall?

My biggest challenge was in the "newness" of the projects and coursework. The blogposts were initially something that I struggled in, as they were entirely unfamiliar to me. The format of the projects was also unfamiliar to me. My experience in writing courses has been heavily focused on literary analyses. The emphasis on different genres and their conventions was very different and challenging to me. 

2. What did you learn this semester about your own time management, writing and editorial skills?

time management - Though I believe every college student's time management could use some improvement, I can definitely say I was successful in this aspect. I learned that procrastination is absolutely your worst enemy. No matter the circumstances, it will always be best to bid your time in the most productive manner.

writing skills - I wouldn't say my writing skills have changed; however, I can definitely say I learned a lot about writing skills in different genres. I learned about the conventions of public arguments, blog posts, QRGs, etc.

editorial skills - I've learned a lot about the complexity of the editing process. My past writing classes consisted mostly of in-class written assignments, meaning editing was never an option. This class placed a heavy emphasis on the editing process. 

3. What do you know about the concept of 'genre'? Explain how understanding this concept is central to being a more effective writing. 

Genre is something that must be considered in all written pieces. It is the first and foremost characteristic of a piece and helps to predict the conventions of the paper. Genre and its conventions help to differentiate between written pieces, which in turn helps to write and analyze in that genre. 

4. What skills from this course might you use and/or develop further in the next few years of college coursework?

I've found this course to be very helpful in terms of learning about technology. The course was very technologically based, as have been most of my other courses as well. The emphasis on different genres in our fields will also obviously be very helpful. Having researching arguments in my field, I am now well-versed in the academic writings within my aspiring career.

5. What was your most effective moment from this semester in 109H?

I would say my most effective moment was in our second project, on analyzing an argument in our field. Not only did I feel I had a more firm grasp on this project, I also enjoyed it more than the first. From the beginning I felt I was better able to succeed. In the drafting process, Kelly remarked that my draft was very well-put-together. This was my most effective moment in the course.

6. What was your least effective moment from this semester in 109H?

My least effective moment was 100% the QRG. In contrast to the Public Argument project, I was extremely uncertain about the parameters of this project. I credit part of this to the fact that my topic was extremely broad. I didn't have a solid foundation for success. There are multiple other faucets that negatively affected my grade, which I will discuss further in my final letter. This was my least effective moment from this semester in 109H.

Revisiting My Writing Process

In the following post, I will reflect on my writing process by revisiting my first two blog posts in this course, "My Writing Process" and "Calendar Reflection."

Doug "Old News" 5/15/2010 via flickr. Attribution Non-Commercial Share-Alike 2.0 Generic License.

Reading "My Writing Process," I can generally say that my writing style and process has not been altered all that much through the course of the semester. I defined myself as a heavy reviser, which I would still say is true today. However, on that note, I also think that the definition of a heavy reviser has changed in the context of this course. As a majority of our projects were more heavily focused on structure and visuals (as with the QRG and my Public Argument), my heavy revision personality had to be adjusted. When I described my preference for heavy revising, it was in the context of the writing courses I had taken up to that point, which consisted largely of heavy writing assignments, etc. 

I say all this because my adjustments in relation to being a heavy reviser are connected with the time management habits I have developed in this course. I have had to bid my time very well to satisfy my heavy revising. The projects in this course were no small feats, and certainly couldn't be "put off." As such, I found that my time management and heavy revising process somewhat coincided. Much of my time management consisted of my spreading out time to revise my project. 

*               *                *

I can finally say I've become somewhat adapted to college life. That being said, I now hold a firm view of how my time management will look in the future, in reference to work, school and family. My process is definitely a very sequential, precarious sort of process. Though not perfectly, I kept to my "Calendar Reflection" considerably well. This calendar depicts my strategy in this semester and the future semesters. I found I was most productive by providing little chunks of time for each class, everyday. This ensured I never fell behind in any course, while focusing on another one.

My performance in this course suggests to me that I will be a very organized worker when it comes to my eventual employment in a professional field. Success for me means a clear organization of how my time needs to be dictated. I have very specific to-do lists in my mind with the beginning of everyday, which I believe will benefit me when it comes to working in the "real world."

Reflection on Project 3

In the following post, I reflect on my Project 3 Public Argument by answering the questions "Reflecting on Your Own Revision Process" from the Writing Public Lives textbook.

Donnelly, Tim "Time to Reflect" 8/3/2011 via flickr. Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic License.

Reflecting on Your Own Revision Process

1. What was specifically revised from one draft to another?

The aspects that were most heavily revised in my draft were the varying aesthetics. More specifically, I added music, narration, and special effects to my video.

2. Point to global changes: how did you reconsider you thesis or organization? 

In revising my video, I reconsidered the type of argument I was trying to convey. In the editing process, I discovered that the direction I was going in wasn't what I had originally planned. I, overall, changed my voice and the overall tone of the video.

3. What led you to these changes? A reconsideration of audience? A shift in purpose?

Neither of the options listed by the book were the reasons I altered my video. As I was editing, my ideas and the argument itself started to change. I believe this is in part because of the footage itself. My video ended up being somewhat dark and ominous. This tone in turn evolved my overall argument.

4. How do these changes affect your credibility as an author?

The changes I made were successful in making the video appear, overall, more professional. This in turn will affect my credibility by increasing the reliability of my argument.

5. How will these changes better address the audience or venue?

The changes I made to my video will help to instill a sense of urgency to my audience. The more ominous and authoritative tone rhetorically helped to giver my argument an underlying sense of importance. 

6. Point to local changes: how did you reconsider sentence structure and style?

I realized very early on in the drafting process that my narration was too formal. The writing style of an essay is very different from that in a video. When I read aloud what my narration would be, I realized very quickly that it complicated the video, and took away from the overall rhetoric of the special effects.

7. How will these changes assist your audience in understanding your purpose? 

This change will be very subtle. By simplifying my narration, I place an emphasis on the darkness of the video itself. This shift in focus will cause my audience to comprehend the seriousness of the subject.

8. Did you have to reconsider the conventions of the particular genre in which you are writing?

Yes, multiple times. When I found I was starting to confuse myself with my purpose, it was always helpful to remind myself of the conventions of my genre. Doing so reinforced the direction I needed to go with my argument. 

9. Finally, how does the process of reflection help you reconsider your identity as a writer?

These questions remind me of how important it is to reanalyze your writing on various scales. For example, traditionally, I wouldn't have reviewed my draft and questioned myself about the "global changes" that could be made. I would have simply focused on the local conventions, attempting to improve grammar and professionalism. The emphasis on global changes greatly helped me in my editing process as most of my project involved global effects over local ones. 

Publishing Public Argument

In the following post, I provide the link to the final of my public argument. I also answer questions in relation to the quality of my argument.

Bohland, Alyssa "Screenshot of 'Circumcision in the Name of God'" 11/16/15 via iMovie.

The link to my final public argument can be found HERE.

1. Mark where you feel your target audience currently stands on the issue (before watching your argument):

←----------------------------------------------------|X--------------------------------------------------------->

Strongly                                            Totally neutral                                                    Strongly

agree                                                                                                                          disagree

2. Mark where you feel your target audience should be (after they've watched your argument):

←--------------------X--------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------->

Strongly                                            Totally neutral                                                    Strongly

agree                                                                                                                          disagree

3. Check one of the argument types below for your public argument:

         _______ My public argument establishes an original pro position on an issue of debate.

         _______ My public argument establishes an original con position on an issue of debate.

         ___X__ My public argument clarifies the causes for a problem that is being debated.

         _______ My public argument proposes a solution for a problem that is being debated.

         _______ My public argument positively evaluates a specific solution or policy under debate (and clearly identifies the idea I'm supporting).

         _______ My public argument openly refutes a specific solution or policy under debate (and clearly identifies the idea I'm refuting).

4. Briefly explain how your public argument doesn’t simply restate information from other sources, but provides original context and insight into the situation:

Though the controversy of circumcision has been discussed in terms of medical dangers, no one has focused on the fact that circumcision itself comes from a very old and outdated religious tradition. My argument was original in context and insight in that it suggested that circumcision, discussed in medical terms today, must also be considered in religious context. It was not perpetrated for medical reasons 3500 years ago when the tradition started, so why should it be considered medically today? It is and has always been a religious practice. 

5. Identify the specific rhetorical appeals you believe you've employed in your public argument below:

Ethical or credibility-establishing appeals

                    _____ Telling personal stories that establish a credible point-of-view

                    __X__ Referring to credible sources (established journalism, credentialed experts, etc.)

                    __X__ Employing carefully chosen key words or phrases that demonstrate you are credible (proper terminology, strong but clear vocabulary, etc.)

                    _____ Adopting a tone that is inviting and trustworthy rather than distancing or alienating

                    __X__ Arranging visual elements properly (not employing watermarked images, cropping images carefully, avoiding sloppy presentation)

                    _____ Establishing your own public image in an inviting way (using an appropriate images of yourself, if you appear on camera dressing in a warm or friendly or professional manner, appearing against a background that’s welcoming or credibility-establishing)

                    _____ Sharing any personal expertise you may possess about the subject (your identity as a student in your discipline affords you some authority here)

                    _____ Openly acknowledging counterarguments and refuting them intelligently

                    _____ Appealing openly to the values and beliefs shared by the audience (remember that the website/platform/YouTube channel your argument is designed for helps determine the kind of audience who will encounter your piece)

                    _____ Other: Just as a side note, I feel like these particular rhetorical strategies would have been least effective in my argument, which is why (as you can see), the fewest amount were employed. My voice was meant to push slightly into being "unethical." That is not to say, I was rude or mean; however, I was definitely attempting to sway my audience by appearing more demanding than "trustworthy."

Emotional appeals

                    _____ Telling personal stories that create an appropriate emotional impact for the debate

                    __X__ Telling emotionally compelling narratives drawn from history and/or the current culture

                    __X__ Employing the repetition of key words or phrases that create an appropriate emotional impact

                    __X__ Employing an appropriate level of formality for the subject matter (through appearance, formatting, style of language, etc.)

                    __X__ Appropriate use of humor for subject matter, platform/website, audience

                    __X__ Use of “shocking” statistics in order to underline a specific point

                    __X__ Use of imagery to create an appropriate emotional impact for the debate

                    __X__ Employing an attractive color palette that sets an appropriate emotional tone (no clashing or ‘ugly’ colors, no overuse of too many variant colors, etc.)

                    __X__ Use of music to create an appropriate emotional impact for the debate

                    _____ Use of sound effects to create an appropriate emotional impact for the debate

                    __X__ Employing an engaging and appropriate tone of voice for the debate

                    _____ Other: 

Logical or rational appeals

                    __X__ Using historical records from credible sources in order to establish precedents, trends, or patterns

                    _____ Using statistics from credible sources in order to establish precedents, trends, or patterns

                    _____ Using interviews from stakeholders that help affirm your stance or position

                    _____ Using expert opinions that help affirm your stance or position

                    __X__ Effective organization of elements, images, text, etc.

                    __X__ Clear transitions between different sections of the argument (by using title cards, interstitial music, voiceover, etc.)

                    __X__ Crafted sequencing of images/text/content in order to make linear arguments

                    __X__ Intentional emphasis on specific images/text/content in order to strengthen argument

                    __X__ Careful design of size/color relationships between objects to effectively direct the viewer’s attention/gaze (for visual arguments)

                    _____ Other: 

6. Below, provide us with working hyperlinks to THREE good examples of the genre you've chosen to write in:

BBC Documentaries

The Last Days of Anne Boleyn 

The Celts: Blood, Iron and Sacrifice

Blood and Guts: A History of Surgery

Reflection on Project 3 Draft

In the following, I will reflect on the feedback I received in reference to my Project 3 Draft.

Geralt "Feedback Men Talk Communication" 7/15/2015 via pixabay. CC0 Public Domain License.

The two classmate reviews that I peer edited are linked below:

Jessica Jankowski - Architecture and Budget: Let's Not Break the Bank

Dylan Cotter - Dr. Strangelove 

Draft of My Public Argument 

1. Dylan peer-reviewed my rough draft. 

2. I found the feedback Dylan provided to be very helpful. Reading his draft, I recall that he himself is apt in the film-making industry. His suggestions were both centered around improving my argument and also in improving the quality of the video. For example, he suggested I move a particular title further ahead in the video to avoid losing my viewers. A theatrical suggestion he made (which I wholly agree with) was to alter the "effect" I used in subtitles, because it became annoying after a while. Watching my video over again, it really popped out at me and I definitely agree. 

3. I feel the area I need most improvement in is genre. My draft was a very, very rough depiction of what I want the final version to look like. Dylan (politely) used the term "annoying," which is definitely not what I want for my audience. 

I also need to improve the argumentation of my draft, which may include rearranging the format of my video, cutting out certain information, or making my voice more objective (as was suggested by Dylan). I will consider all of these as I move forward in the process.

4. Knowing that my draft was a very rough outline of what I wanted it to be, I feel much better after the progress I made this week. Speaking with Professor Bottai and having the week to work on improving my video really helped in the process. Already I feel that my draft has significantly improved from where it was last week; and with the input I received in the peer review, I believe I can make it even better. 

Draft of Public Argument

In the following post, I provide the link to the draft of my Public Argument.

Bohland, Alyssa. "Screenshot of 'Circumcision in Religion' Public Argument" 11/7/15 via iMovie.

I would very much like to apologize for my draft, and whoever has to suffer through watching it. I mention it at the beginning of my video, but I will repeat it here: Much of the footage I plan to include in the video, I didn't have enough time to record before this week's deadline. Additionally, you'll find that everything gets much more bleak toward the end of the video with blank screens and only words, etc. This is also because I was running out of time! I plan to focus most of my time next week on all the creative aspects of my video.

Also, I have yet to include a voice over, so my narration is what is represented by the text. Thank you for your patience with me, and good luck to you. 

The link to my draft can by found HERE.

Considering Visual Elements

In the following post, I will be considering the visual elements of my argument and how I will construct and incorporate them into my genre for Project 3.

Bohland, Alyssa. "Screenshot of 'Project 3 - Creating A Public Argument' iMovie'" 11/4/2015 via iMovie.

Creating Visual Salience

Image Selection

Is the feeling or tone that the image invokes appropriate to the visual-rhetorical tone of my argument? 

Since I am making a video, I intend to make every image I use relevant to the rhetoric I would use if I were writing an essay. My topic is also heavily oriented on personal/emotional traditions. My images will illicit emotional responses, while still keeping with an historic tone.


If the image is a graph or chart, does it clearly support a major point of my argument, or is it superfluous?

I hadn't consider using any graphs in a documentary, but I can see how it may be useful to show the popularity of circumcision over the years, assuming I can find that information. I think that would be very useful to my argument, and will see if I can incorporate it into my video.


If the visual image is used as a part of a video, does the information or images that come before and after it clearly connect to the image?

This will be very important with all of the images in my video. I want all the images to coherently flow from one to the other as well as the narration I will provide. I don't want there to seem like there were any awkward pauses.

Creating Visual Organization 

If you are designing an audiovisual text, such as a short film, are the scenes ordered clearly?

This is an extension of the question I answered above, about the relevance of single images. It is equally important to portray each "subcategory" of information coherently. I want the video on a small scale, considering individual elements, and a large scale, as a whole, to be effective.

Do too many visual images make your text busy or disorganized? If so, which images might you omit?

This is another question that I am concerned with. In the past when I've made video projects, I've watched them so many times in a row that, though I'm understanding the information, others might not. I want to make sure I don't show the images in too quick succession, not allowing my audience to spend enough time looking at it, or vice versa.

Creating Visual Impact

Do the different visual and textual elements come together persuasively as a whole, or are there elements that seem disconnected or out of place?

All these questions have been hard to answer as I have honestly not started my video yet; however, I feel this one also relates to the previous two questions. I want all the small elements/images to tie together to make one big, persuasively effective argument. Images are obviously very important to my argument and I plan on spending a lot of time organizing them coherently.

Looking back at your images, are they placed or sequenced in the most persuasive ways?

This is another aspect I need to consider very carefully. I have my outline planned as far as information goes, but translating that into a video will require me to be very careful with how I organize everything. I can think of videos that are persuasive, but I have never personally created one. I think this will be my most challenging obstacle.

Project 3 Outline

In the following post, I will be outlining my Project 3 documentary according to the Writing Public Lives textbook excerpts on introducing, developing, and concluding an argument.

Loo, John "Plotting Room" 10/14/2013 via flickr. Attribution 2.0 Generic License.

I have decided to do a short documentary as the genre for my argument. As such, my outline doesn't follow in the traditional sense of a hand-written argument. Just something to keep in mind =)

Introduction: Introducing Your Public Argument

Think About Your Situation or Kairos 

The book described this introductory technique as being a way to move your audience to thinking about a certain issue. As I have decided to construct a causal argument, this fits my project perfectly. I am not trying to sway or offend anyone's opinion, only enlighten them on a controversial issue.

Most documentary introductions are concise and to the point, a few seconds at the most just to acquaint the reader with the subject of the reader, without wasting too much time of trivialities. As such, I don't have any true construction of what my introduction will look like. I want it to visually stimulating with some "powerful" music to bestow a sense of importance on the topic.

Body: Developing Strong Supporting Paragraphs 

 Link to my Coggle if it is too hard to see in the blog format.

Bohland, Alyssa. "Screenshot of 'Project 3 Outline - Circumcision in Neonates' Coggle" 11/4/2015 via Coggle.

Conclusion: Concluding Strategies

Future of the Debate

I am not trying to drastically sway anyone's opinion in my argument. I will be referencing the past to describe the roots (causes) of a medical procedure and will then be question its relevance in modern society. I believe looking to the future in my conclusion is a good way to artistically tie together my argument. I will pose questions about whether this controversy will slowly fade away, or grow in importance, as medicine will also progress. 

As my genre is a documentary, I also want to incorporate some sort of dramatic recap and visual reminder of the importance for parents to consider this issue. Hopefully iMovie can help me with that! 

Reflection

Looking at my classmates' outlines was somewhat disconcerting for me. Both Isabel's and Morgan's outlines demonstrated a very well-thought-out plan of action. As I am creating a video and not a written piece (which is what I'm more acquainted with), I found that I couldn't really make as thorough of an outline. I believe videos are more creativity based, than structurally based. Beyond this, I also saw that the outlines made it very apparent which types of arguments we are creating. As I am creating a causal argument, I don't have the need for certain aspects that would be necessary in the other arguments. Overall, I hopeful that I will be able to adequately translate my argument into a video. 

Analyzing My Genre

In the following post, I will be analyzing my genre by answering the "Questions for Genre Analysis" provided in the Rules for Writers textbook.

LiteratureReviewHQ "I'm so clever" 1/10/2013 via flickr. Attribution 2.0 Generic License.

Example Documentaries

Blood and Guts: A History of Surgery
Doctors' Diaries
Sick Around America
Psychopath
The Vaccine War

Social Context

Where is the genre typically set?

I found two prominent locations for the documentary genre. BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) and PBS (Public Broadcasting System). Both are distinguished, credible sources for esteemed documentaries.

What is the subject of the genre? 

PBS has documentaries covering a variety of topics, some historical in nature and others scientific. I found with BBC that a majority (or at least the majority that I looked at) were largely medical-based.

Who uses the genre?

I believe documentaries are fairly universal in nature. I have known of BBC and PBS long before this Project. I think documentaries are a quick way to inform the public about a sometimes lengthy topic.

When and why is the genre used? What purposes does the genre serve for the people who use it?

I can recall multiple times when I've had teachers utilize documentaries in class. They also air routinely on television. Documentaries serve to teach the audience of a valuable topic. Oftentimes, this genre condenses the information, teaching only what the audience will understand.

Rhetorical Patterns of the Genre

What type of content is usually included and excluded?

Documentaries often include visual stimulation to help interest the audience and solidify the facts that are being present. This genre excludes most conventions present in your average essay, attempting to add an element of excitement to learning.

What rhetorical appeals are used most often? Do you notice any patterns in the appeals to logos, pathos or ethos?

Documentaries rely largely on facts. However, they also try to indirectly sway viewers with interviews, experiences and emotional stories. All three rhetorical appeals are utilized.

How are the texts organized? Do they generally open in similar ways? Conclude in similar ways? What common parts do the samples share?

Documentaries generally start with a very informative introduction, to "ground" the audience. Though they can conclude in many ways, they often leave off by asking the audience a question, or alluding to the bigger picture. The samples are all very consistent with their conclusions, posing the audience with a question that refers to a more broad topic.

Do sentences in the genre share a certain style? Are they mostly active, passive, simple or complex? Is there an abundance or lack of questions, exclamation points, or semi-colons?

As documentaries are entirely narrative, the questions the text itself are irrelevant. However, the narration is oftentimes active in an attempt to rouse the audience to question or consider the topic at hand.

What type of word choice is used? Do many of the words fit in a particular category of jargon or slang? Is the overall effect of the word choice formal, informal, humorous, or academic?

The word choice is formal and intelligent, though not too complex for the audience to understand. The word choice will fit into the jargon/slang as the topic befits. The best way to describe the word choice would be semi-formally academic.

Analyze What those Patterns Reveal about the Social Context of the Genre

Who does the genre include and who does it exclude?

I think documentaries target a wide variety of audiences. Though I don't think a documentary on neuroscience would attract a world-renowned neuroscientist, I do think anyone even remotely curious on a topic will be interested in watching a documentary on that topic.

What roles for writers and readers does the genre encourage?

I'd say the biggest role the genre encourages is awareness. Documentaries don't often try to urge viewers to take action, etc. 

What values and beliefs are assumed about or encouraged from users of the genre?

Users of the genre assume the audience will have an interest in the topic they are addressing. As documentaries don't attempt to sway their audience's opinions, they don't assume any beliefs from their audience.

What content does the genre treat as most valuable? Least valuable?

Documentaries value facts and stories as a way to communicate information. Inversely, they do note value any way that portrays information bleakly, such as lengthy ideas and hard to understand topics/facts.

Reflection

The posts I read: Isabel's post    &    Kelly's post

Looking through my classmates' posts, I found that many are writing within related genres. Both Kelly and Isabel are utilizing genres in journal articles and oftentimes online. I also considered this as my genre, but settled on a documentary in most ways to "switch things up." I also really love, in addition to writing, creating video-related content. I'm excited for this project, and hope I can adequately portray the information from my topic into a video. However, it makes sense to me that most argumentative pieces of writing are found in journal articles.