In English 117, I was able to learn a great deal about constructing and analyzing internet arguments in ways that I had never considered. I have never considered myself a very creative person, but I was able to push the boundaries of my creativity throughout this course. Due to the varied and unique nature of each project, I was compelled to start fresh and think in a new way how to best accomplish each task in the most artistic, persuasive manner possible. Because of this, I learned new ways to create both art and arguments, while being freed to express myself creatively.
Further, I improved my critical thinking skills. All arguments, whether on the internet or off, require critical thinking to both compose and interpret. This is especially important regarding internet arguments, which often lack the subtleties of human voice and body language. Thus, through this course I have been able to practice thinking critically by not only being forced to provide my own arguments in a way that can be easily understood, but also by looking at examples in class and of my classmates. This type of dual critical thinking is absolutely invaluable.
Finally, this class emphasized reflection. I have always been the type to submit one version of an assignment and move on. However, the iterative nature of English 117 has allowed me to see the value in continuously revising and improving my work. While this is not something I am naturally inclined to do, it was certainly beneficial regarding some of the projects with which I was not as competent. Further, even when I could not produce work I would consider perfect, it was still valuable to reflect on what I had done and learned up to that point. And, after everything else, this portfolio has allowed me to reflect on everything I have completed this semester. It is both rewarding to see my progress, as well as inspiring for the future.
Projects:
Twitter Report Draft: http://altscholarship.com/argunet/node/78/revisions/222/view
Twitter Report Revised: http://altscholarship.com/argunet/node/78
The twitter report assignment was a great exercise in critical thinking. First of all, I used these skills to evaluate the content, mood, and purpose of the tweets contained within the #AndrewLuck. This was an important exercise, as Twitter contains a lot of sarcasm, inside jokes, and allusions, which can distort the tweet's surface meaning. Further, as I read the tweets, I was able to think critically about their points of view, and evaluate where I stood on the Andrew Luck retirement controversy. I appreciated that this was a two-fold way to embrace critical thinking.
This assignment was also an exercise in reflection. Professor Anderson provided me with numerous comments on keeping my tone consistent. I decided that, given my subject matter, a journalistic tone would be more appropriate than one that is wholly formal. Thus, after re-reading my language, I was able to revise it to reflect these intentions where appropriate. Moreover, I removed the headings such as "methodology" and "analysis", which made my report flow more like a single piece. Overall, I think these small changes really strengthened my piece.
App Argument Draft: https://xd.adobe.com/view/3fd73eb7-5bfa-4e7c-4458-575df685ebe9-49e6/
App Argument Revised: https://xd.adobe.com/view/f05f72c1-b21a-4fe7-681b-a1a671c6345b-866e/
The app argument assignment was another project that emphasized reflection. I struggled with my first submission, as I had never used the XD software before, and am not a visually or spatially inclined person, in general. However, by familiarizing myself with the tool, I was able to become more comfortable as I revised my app. Further, I was able to continuously rethink the structure and presentation of my app, until I created something that I believe to be much more effective.
This app assignment also stretched my creativity in a unique way. I had never really considered composing an argument that moved through several screens - specifically small, phone-sized screens - so this was very interesting. It took a great deal of creativity simply deciding what to center my app around. Then, once I had my argument, creating a compelling way to present it was another large undertaking. However, I am thankful for the unique challenge, as it pushed me to think beyond the typical ways in which I would present an argument of this type.
Podcast: Anthony-Maddy-Shayan-Hope-Ethan
The podcast assignment required a great deal of both critical thinking and creativity, as every group member had to contribute unique and interesting thoughts to the discussion. Our group chose to outline broad points, and fill in the gap with conversation as we recorded. This allowed for a natural flow of conversation, but it was challenging in the sense that everyone had to be engaged and engaging. Luckily, I felt that everyone in our group did a great job being knowledgeable on the subject, and presenting that knowledge in an interesting way.
I also felt that I was able to exercise some leadership during this project. This is a skill that I am more familiar using, and I felt that it was valuable in this setting. During the planning sessions, our group had some disputes about content and presentation. However, I felt that I was able to bridge the gap between different members and make each feel that they were being heard and included. Moreover, during the discussion, whenever I sensed a lull or gap in the conversation, I took it upon myself to facilitate transitions to new topics or continue the current conversation. Everyone in my group brought great value to the table, but I felt as though I helped make our skills cohesive.
Memes: http://altscholarship.com/argunet/node/230
Gifs: http://altscholarship.com/argunet/node/391
Both the gifs and memes required a great deal of creativity, as well as critical thinking. It is very difficult to get an argument across when words are limited. This is especially true for myself, as I feel I can rely on being verbose in most situations. However, this was a great challenge as I not only had to think about what I would find to be entertaining or interesting to look at, but also how to get a point across using as few words as possible. While I would not consider either of these to be my most successful projects, I am proud of how I was able to accept a challenge that did not play to my strengths.
Audio Essay Draft:
Audio Essay Revised:
The audio essay required a great deal of reflection, as well as disaster aversion. My first draft was what I would consider merely okay. However, after incorporating Professor Anderson's feedback, I felt that I had my piece in a great place. I had added intro and outro music, while cleaning up certain sections of audio and adding pieces of dialogue that strengthened my essay.
Then, on the day of the final, I realized that technical errors had ruined an entire section of my revised draft. However, rather that panicking, I reflected on Professor Anderson's message that work does not always have to be perfect, and the process is important in and of itself. I was able to salvage part of the damaged audio, scrapped another part, and re-recorded a third part. While I was slightly disappointed, as I felt that my work was slightly better before this final version, I know that there is nothing I could do to prevent it, and I will live with the result. After all, I was still able to improve upon my original draft and gain some skills within Audacity and audio argument composition, in general.
Portfolio Video:
Last but not least, I have included my portfolio video. In this video I discuss my Twitter report and my app argument. These are not necessarily the projects I felt I did the best job on, but they do, in my opinion, best reflect the values of creativity, critical thinking, and reflection. These are themes that were present throughout the semester, and I felt they shined through most on my work with these two projects.