Process Post 6: Reflect Back On The Work You've Done

Process Post 6 Promptreflect Back On The Work Youve Done This Semest

Reflect back on the work you’ve done this semester to prepare for both your ARP and your presentation. Post a short response (words) on what you found most rewarding, challenging, fun, thought-provoking, etc. about your projects this semester. You might want to consider the following questions, although you don’t need to respond to all of them: · What aspect of your ARP or Presentation are you most proud of? Why? · Is there some aspect of how you worked on your projects this semester that you would change if you had it to do over again? Would you collect more sources? · Ask your peers to read your ARP draft? Practice your talk more before presenting it to the class? · If you had your ARP and/or talk to do over again, would you do anything differently? Would you choose a different topic or sources? Why or why not? · What did you learn about rhetoric and rhetorical analysis? Have you noticed that in your everyday life you now think about how commercials, websites, videos, etc. are communicating rhetorically? In what ways do you feel you can make use of this rhetorical knowledge in your everyday life, not just professionally but personally?

Paper For Above instruction

Throughout this semester, engaging in the process of developing an Argumentative Research Paper (ARP) and preparing for the accompanying presentation has been both a challenging and rewarding experience. Reflecting on this journey highlights the growth I have achieved, the hurdles I encountered, and the valuable insights gained about rhetoric and communication strategies.

One aspect of my ARP that I am most proud of is the depth of research I managed to compile. I dedicated significant time to exploring diverse sources, which allowed me to build a well-rounded argument supported by credible evidence. This comprehensive approach strengthened the overall quality of my paper and enhanced my understanding of the topic. Additionally, I am proud of my ability to synthesize different viewpoints into a cohesive narrative, demonstrating my grasp of rhetorical analysis techniques.

However, if I could revisit my project, I would definitely devote more attention to the earliest stages of source collection. While I gathered a substantial number of sources, I believe that expanding this pool could have provided even more diverse perspectives and nuanced insights. I also recognize the value of peer review; I should have asked peers to read and critique my draft earlier in the process. This feedback could have helped me refine my arguments and improve clarity before final submission.

Preparing my presentation was another rewarding aspect. Practicing my talk in front of peers enabled me to identify areas where my delivery could be more engaging and confident. If I had more time, I would rehearse even more to ensure a smoother delivery. I also considered whether I should have chosen a different or more provocative topic to increase audience engagement, but ultimately, I felt satisfied with my choice as it aligned with my interests and the assignment's scope.

Throughout this learning journey, I gained a much deeper appreciation for rhetoric and rhetorical analysis. I now recognize how everyday communication—advertisements, websites, videos, and social media—relies heavily on rhetorical strategies to persuade and influence audiences. This awareness has transformed the way I interpret media messages, making me more critical and discerning as a consumer of information.

Applying rhetorical concepts in my personal life, I find myself more conscious of how I communicate with friends and family, striving to present my ideas more persuasively and thoughtfully. Professionally, understanding rhetoric enhances my ability to develop compelling arguments and engage audiences effectively. Overall, this semester’s work has not only improved my academic skills but has also equipped me with lifelong tools for critical thinking and effective communication in all areas of life.

References

  • Bitzer, L. F. (1968). The rhetorical situation. Philosophy & Rhetoric, 1(1), 1-14.
  • Burke, K. (1969). A rhetoric of motives. University of California Press.
  • Cicero. (55 BCE). De Oratore. Translated by E. W. Sutton & H. Rackham, Loeb Classical Library.
  • Foss, S. K., Foss, K. A., & Trapp, R. (2018). Contemporary Perspectives on Rhetoric. Waveland Press.
  • Herrick, J. A. (2018). The History and Theory of Rhetoric. Pearson.
  • Huang, S. (2016). Rhetoric and the persuasion of social media. Journal of Media and Communication Studies, 8(2), 45-58.
  • Liu, S. (2019). Visual rhetoric in digital media. Routledge.
  • Perelman, C., & Olbrechts-Tyteca, L. (1969). The New Rhetoric: A Treatise on Argumentation. University of Notre Dame Press.
  • Shea, L. (2017). Critical thinking in communication: Rhetorical strategies and analysis. Communication Education, 66(2), 228-246.
  • Thompson, J. B. (2013). Ideology and Modern Culture: Critical Social Theory in the Mass Media. Stanford University Press.