Core Value 1. My work demonstrates that I used a variety of social and interactive practices that involve recursive stages of exploration, discovery, conceptualization, and development.

Throughout the semester I actively engaged in the feedback process with my professor. I was open to accepting feedback and improving my work to ultimately create the best finished product possible. An example of this process can be seen in my Definition Rewrite . My professor broke down its flaws, particularly focusing his attention on the first paragraph. I proceeded to take action and adjust each sentence to meet his recommendations. Breaking down my work sentence by sentence has helped me to make sure that every word I write contributes to forming my argument in the clearest way possible. From engaging in this particular feedback process, I learned the importance of specificity when forming an argument. I was able to use this skill when writing my next two short arguments, allowing me to guide the reader to my conclusion with as little confusion as possible. 

Core Value 2. My work demonstrates that I read critically, and that I placed texts into conversation with one another to create meaning by synthesizing ideas from various discourse communities. 

When reading and analyzing various texts, I was able to gather my own conclusions and observations through close examination. I particularly demonstrated this skill in my “Stone Money” essay. I used a podcast, an essay, and an article to connect the currency used on the Island of Yap, called fei, to modern intangible forms of money, such as bitcoin. I then connected the concept of faith in money, whether physically present or not, to that of faith in a god. Rather than using what was provided to me in these sources on the surface level, I dug deeper and illustrated my deeper understanding of the material.

Core Value 3. My work demonstrates that I rhetorically analyzed the purpose, audience, and contexts of my own writing and other texts and visual arguments.

Throughout the semester, I was able to develop the skill of rhetorically analyzing the deeper meaning of visual materials. My Visual Rhetoric Analysis  is an example of this skill, as I meticulously combed through a 30 second advertisement to search for every way it attempted to communicate its intended message. Assuming that every detail in the advertisement was intentional, I was able to explain to the reader why the director made each choice and how it was effective, or in some instances ineffective, in conveying its message. I concluded my analysis with a critique on how the pacing of the advertisement could have been adjusted to use its 30 second time limit more effectively. My close examination of the techniques employed by the director allowed me to explain why these techniques helped to form the overall argument of the advertisement.

Core Value 4: My work demonstrates that I have met the expectations of academic writing by locating, evaluating, and incorporating illustrations and evidence to support my own ideas and interpretations.

I initially struggled finding academic sources to support my Rebuttal Argument. However, after much searching I found sources that helped me form a strong and scientifically sound rebuttal argument. I found studies on the direct correlation between children in lower socioeconomic status’ and obesity. I used these studies to explain to my opponent why childhood obesity often stems from deeply rooted, and in some cases traumatic, issues and therefore is not a topic that should be addressed in the school classroom. Additionally, I found scientific research explaining the prominent role of genetics in determining one’s susceptibility to obesity. Finding these sources allowed me to refute my adversary’s claims through science and research.

Core Value 5. My work demonstrates that I respect my ethical responsibility to represent complex ideas fairly and to the sources of my information with appropriate citation. 

My Annotated Bibliography is a compilation of all the sources that I used to craft my semester-long endeavor—my research paper. The process of searching for relevant sources was tedious and time consuming, however, my annotated bibliography contains an organized list of each resource that I found beneficial to my studies. I was diligent to make sure that I properly cited each source and credited the proper authors. This course was my first exposure to APA formatting and it has given me extensive experience on how to appropriately weave citations into my writing. I demonstrated my growth and dedication to this subject in the “Good Citation” exercise. After attempting to fix a series of flawed citations, my professor informed me that I failed to correct all of the flaws. I then re-examined the rules of APA citations and successfully corrected the flawed sentences.