Genre Prospectus

For my multi-genre paper I have decided to design an advertisement to persuade students to stay in school.  I read an article not too long ago about how Dallas is the second highest large high school district in Texas with the highest drop out rate.  Ever since I read the article I feel obligated to do something to keep students in school, especially since I am going to be a high school teacher.  I just feel like I had a good high school experience and I think that teenagers are missing out when they drop out of school.  The advertisement is kind of going to be put together with a collage of a couple different pictures relating to school.  The pictures will be the benefits of school as well as a set goal for school.  This helps students to know that they will be working towards something and not just aimlessly taking classes.  I feel like there would be a less possibility that students would drop out of school if they had a goal to work for.   

The audience of this advertisement is going to be solely for students, not parents or teachers.  I will be colorful, so that it catches the students’ attention.  If it was a dull color, many students’ would pay no attention to it and the advertisement will have no effect on whether or not they stay in school.  Also, the advertisement will have pictures of events that students look forward to most in their high school career.  For example, when you are coming from middle school or junior high up to high school, most of the students are looking forward to the dances like the prom, the competition of athletics and attending athletic events, making new friends, and of course, the day you graduate!   All of these events are pros that persuade students to stay in school, and they are also events that people tend to remember years after they graduate high school.  Also, the emotion of the people in the advertisement is happy.  All the people in the advertisement are smiling and are giving off this feeling that they love school. 

Although I am going to put pictures of those events such as prom, athletic events, and friends, those pictures are going to be blurred in the advertisement.  The advertisement is going to have its focal point around a couple students in their graduation gowns smiling and throwing their caps in the air because your goal in school is to graduate.  The most enjoyable and memorable parts of school but however are just the benefits and not the goals in your schooling are going to be blurred in the background.  I feel like expressing the advertisement would not be in any way lying to the students, yes school can be fun but you have to have a set goal to work towards!

The last little addition to my advertisement is the logo that will go along with it.  An advertisement would be lost without its logo.  I think I am going to have to go with an oldie but goody, “Be cool stay in school”.    I think since this is guided toward young students it has to be kept simple; students don’t like confusing logos with hidden meanings.  Also, I think it is important that the logo is in a “fun” font, and not some boring one.  The pictures on the advertisement all have smiling people in them and if the logo was written in some boring logo it would take away from all the excitement that the advertisement is trying to reveal about school.  All in all, the whole advertisement is trying to reveal to the students how rewarding school can be if you are willing to stay in it and work toward your goal of graduation.   

Prospectus

In my paper, I will argue that a certain type of stem cell research called embryonic stem cell research is a very unnecessary and unethical research that should be done away with.  This issue is so important because in researching embryonic stem cells it is like the killing of a human being to some people.  Also, in embryonic stem cell research there are still scientific flaws, there have been little positive results, the government is inconsistent, and there are many more reliable alternatives to embryonic stem cell research.  I will write this paper to people all over the world who are uninformed about the issues to this controversial subject, and to the government so that they too will be against allowing scientists to research into embryos.  Also, I am writing this to inform people who are for embryonic stem cell research, just to argue against what they are doing, and what the effects of this research are.  For the government, I think I will really discuss how the government has played a really inconsistent role in this embryonic stem cell research and the alternatives to embryonic stem cell research.  When it comes to convincing the people unknown to the research a well as he people who are pro on embryonic stem cell research I will really emphasize on the scientific flaws, the little positive results, and the alternatives to stem cell research.

Works Cited

 

"Arguments Against Embryonic Stem Cell Research - Stem Cells Genetic Engineering." Bootstrike.Com - Guides, Tutorials, FAQs, Singapore Web Design Computer Services, Laughter HELL. 22 Oct. 2008 .

 

Deem, Rich. "What is Wrong With Embryonic Stem Cell Research?." Evidence for God from Science. 23 Nov. 2007. 22 Oct. 2008 .

 

"New medical marijuana, stem cell research ads air | Freep.com | Detroit Free Press." Freep.com | Detroit Free Press | Detroit news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Detroit, Michigan. 22 Oct. 2008 .

 

Stearns, Hannah. "Embryonic Stem Cell Research: Should the Federal Funding be Expanded? ." The Cornell Daily Sun. 20 Oct. 2006. 22 Oct. 2008 .

 

"Stem Cell Basics [Stem Cell Information]." NIH Stem Cell Information Home Page. 22 Oct. 2008 .

 

 

Journal 5: Public Discourse (Brent Staples)

As much as I don’t want to think that I would feel the same way as the women Staples encounters on the streets at night, I really honestly would feel scared to. I could picture myself constantly peering over my shoulders and walking so fast it would probably seem as though I was running. In Staple’s paper he makes it seem as though women on the street at night are only scared of a tall black man walking by himself, having a beard, billowing hair, and both hands shoved into the pockets of his bulky military jacket. However, if I was walking on a street at night, I would be scared or at least uncomfortable of any man behind me walking by him, white or black. I thought it was a little extreme for someone to call security guards on Staples when he was rushing his article in to his editor. I mean wouldn’t the guards at least ask him what he was doing, that just seems like it shouldn’t be allowed for someone to accuse you for doing something, but not let you explain or at least try to plead your innocence. Also, that was weird to me that no one even recognized him at his own workplace. I find it as sad that America is still dealing with these stereotypes today. I think this paper is proof that discrimination is still alive and a problem in America today, even though some people want to believe that discrimination is no longer a problem and will deny it still exists. I found it kind of humorous that this six foot two black guy was such a softy; I guess I find it humorous that any big tall guy would be such a softy. That is another stereotype that is alive in America today; men are the dominant strong sex. Besides that little part that I found humorous in Staple’s paper, what I got out of reading this paper is that discrimination is still alive today. Also, I think that especially dealing with this specific instance of discrimination it is becoming more and more evident in America due to the high rate of terrorism and crime now-a-days, especially in urban areas. A good way to try and help fight against the discrimination that Staples is expressing through his paper, would be to walk in groups when you go out at night, and to make assumptions of people based on their physical appearance.

Rhetorical Analysis: Obama Speech

On February 10, 2007, Barack Obama made known his presidential announcement, “Our Past, Future, and Vision for America”.  Obama is claiming to the people of the United States that he has the knowledge, audacity, and experience to be the president of the United States.  He argues that even though it may seem impossible to do, he can lead America through the many changes that need to take place in order to transform America into a better America. Obama’s speech may be somewhat confusing, but it still draws on many forms of pathos, ethos, and logos and has just enough detail to let the world know what makes him such a good choice for the next President of the United States ("Obama Speech…”).

Barack Obama, the author of the speech, came from a hard background when he was young, his parents split up and eventually divorced when he was only two.  His parents both died when he was fairly young.  Barack was raised through from fifth grade until he graduated by his maternal grandparents in Hawaii.  It was during Obama’s college years when he really got interested in politics.  In 1985, after getting a degree in political science, Obama moved to Chicago, and it is here where he got elected to be the Illinois state senate as a democrat.  During these years he helped organize Bill Clinton’s 1992 campaign as well as delivered John Kerry’s keynote speech at the 2004 Democratic National Convention in Boston.  Which then brings us to his presidential announcement speech in 2007 ("Barack Obama").

Throughout Obama’s speech, he influences many of the Americans through pathos.  One of the examples of pathos in his speech, which could also be referred to as a narrative style of rhetoric, is at the beginning when he was explaining the background of how he ended up in Illinois.  He was explaining to the people that when he came to Illinois he knew no one, he was young, and had no money or family.  He was trying to strike the emotions of the people to make them feel sorry for him.  Obama also sparked people’s emotions and feeling when he went on to say that it was when he was in these poor neighborhoods’ of Chicago, he received the best education he’d ever had, and learned the true meaning of his Christian faith.  Anytime anyone talks about poor people, people who are less than fortunate, or any the beginning of one’s religious life, most people tend to view it as an emotional subject.  This way, even if the people thought his argument was weak, they could fall back on their strong feelings for how hard he worked on his own to get to where he is at today.

 Obama also uses pathos throughout his speech every time he includes the American people in the changes that need to take place in America, for the good of America. For example, when Obama refers to changes like ending poverty, and freeing America from the tyranny of oil, he ends that particular subject with “Let’s do this”, or “Let’s be the generation that makes future generations proud of what we did here”.  When he says “let’s” he is essentially saying “let us”, and that “us” is referring to Barak Obama himself as well as the entire American people as a whole. Toward the end of his speech Obama also reemphasizes his point that he can’t change all these issues alone; it has to be us (America together).  Also, Obama makes it very clear by saying things like, “…they think they own this government, but we’re here today to take it back”, and “…I might play a small part in building a better America” that he believes the past leaders did a not so good job in leading America.  In ending his speech he leaves his audience with hope for the future stating, “Together, starting today, let us finish the work that needs to be done, and usher in a new birth of freedom on this Earth.” When someone is being involved in the outcome of the changes will affect them (like how Americans react to the changes happening in the United States), the person tends to be more emotional to the subject.  This emotion most often causes them to be more optimistic toward the person (in this case Obama) who is allowing them to take part in the changes that will affect their life. 

Another type of appeal that I noticed Obama use in his speech is ethos.  A couple different times Obama refers to former president Abraham Lincoln, and how Obama agrees with how Lincoln went about running the country during his presidency.  Abraham Lincoln was one of the most favored Presidents in the history of U.S. Presidents.  This type of rhetoric helps in persuading people onto Obama’s side because since people liked how Lincoln ran the country when he was in office, they will like how Obama will run the country if he ends up in office.  This could strengthen many of the American citizen’s view on Obama because they might think that since Obama is educated on Lincoln’s beliefs toward America and believes the same, that he will be just as good a President. 

The last appeal that Obama used was that of logos.  Toward the end of his speech, Obama made note that every four years a new campaign is raised and again both parties will make similar promises to the American people.   However, when he says that after the election is over, many times those promises are never kept.  He addresses his audience with logic and reason when he states that it won’t be any different when he is elected unless the people don’t stick with him in carrying these promises out.  He was very real when addressing the American people with this statement; I think it was because of this honesty that Obama really gained many people’s trust in him ("Obama Speech…”).

In conclusion, I think that Barack Obama gave a well thought out, credible speech to the people of America.  He obviously has the hard work ethic and trustworthiness to be President; he just has to prove that to the rest of the United States. He makes many statements that could have only been made by someone who really knew what was going on, and had a true love for the future the America as well as the American people. Obama gave just the right amount of information that allowed the people to really get a good idea on what Obama’s plans for the future could be without and confusion.  Overall, I think it was a very successful speech that appealed to many American views.

"Barack Obama." bio. True Story. 3 Oct. 2008 .

"Obama Speech - Presidental Annoucement - February 10 2007 - Complete Text." Obama Speeches - Full Text of Over 100 Speeches. 29 Sep. 2008 .

Journal 4: Analysis Paper

For my analysis paper I choose to analyze a speech given by presidential candidate Barack Obama.  I know I haven’t been too involved in the presidential race, or any politics for that matter, and I decided this would be a good way to sort of “be educated” about the candidate I am leaning towards for this 2008 election.  The speech I am going to analyze was one from back in 2007, Obama’s presidential announcement speech.  After reading it the first time through I noticed a lot of good rhetoric that Obama used to try and persuade to his listeners that he was ready for this position as the President of the United States.  I learned a lot about how and why Obama decided to run for presidency as well as some background information on him.  A lot of why I am leaning towards Obama for the upcoming election is because he was the senator of my home state, Illinois, and I really think that he did a good job keeping Illinois in order.  I also noticed that Obama told it how it was and stated a lot of issues he knew that needed to change in America and he said that if he was president, the only way he could keep his work in changing all these issues for the good of America, was if and only if America played their part in bettering the country as well.  Then he went on to list many of the ways American citizens could do to help each situation.  I really liked this article because it helped me to realize why I would for Obama for president, and what Obama was offering for America. 

Journal 3: Logical Fallacy

I think that the Proactiv solution commercials are a big logical fallacy.  They are the longest commercials that go on and on about how Proactiv clears up your acne in just two weeks!  Then, they bring in like famous actors and singers to testify that Proactiv really does work.  One, these people are use to being televised and it makes it very easy for them to lie, and two, even if it does work for some people it is not going to work for everyone!  Everyone has all different kinds of skin types; one acne treatment won’t work for everyone.  However, these proactive creators or founders are bound determined that proactive will work for everyone, curing all their problems.  This commercial or advertisement is a logical fallacy, I myself would categorize it as hasty generalization.  

Journal 2: Residence Halls

There’s no way you can say that this essay was not convincing, she had some very strong views.  For instance, her opinion on the size of the room and personalizing the room to your likeness was indeed a major fallacy included in the brochure.  Sure you can personalize your stuff in your dorm room, but you have no control over what your roommate brings into the room, whether you like in or not.  You can also say goodbye to personal space because you and your roommate will have to share that.   There is also truth in the fact that it doesn’t matter where you live, whether it be on or off campus, you are still going to have to do a ton of walking.  In my opinion this campus is a pretty big campus and the buildings are scattered throughout it, you can’t live near every building.  When it comes to living in dorms, I support the fact that living in dorms does not reduce the amount of walking you will have to go through.

            However, I think McCormick could have extended the fallacy of sharing one bathroom between some thirty girls on your dorm floor.  This is one of the more major reasons as to why upperclassmen decide to live off campus.  There is hair everywhere, you have to carry all your bath stuff with you as opposed to leaving it in the shower, and you have nasty cheap curtains separating the showers.  Also, another one of her “fallacies” I was disappointed with was the dining hall foods, I particularly like the food here, and think that they give you plenty of options.  If you lived off campus you would have to cook or make all your meals, which time consuming and is a lot of work as well.   Lastly, I would just like to mention the fact that she also didn’t mention the fact that you have to carry all of your laundry and detergents all the way to the basement (which is especially a pain if you live on the third floor) just to do your laundry.  These are just some of the ideas I think Kelley McCormick could have went into more detail on to make her essay stronger.    

Ethnography: The Recreational Center

When coming to Miami University the twenty-two and a half million-dollar convenient recreational center (Walker) is more than likely a place that students will become very familiar with.   All the facilities with the exception of the concessions are free of charge for the students of Miami University, and as a broke college student it doesn’t get much better than that.  Standing right in front of the massive brick building you can see many different kinds of people heading up the towering stairs to get to the main doors.   Depending on the time of day and whom they are with, you can usually figure out why they are going to workout.  

It is six in the morning and the recreational center doors have just been unlocked.  The sun has not yet come up and one by one, coming from Campus Street, you start to see people heading up to those main doors.  Most every person that has entered the brick building has been accompanied by a duffel bag.  These are your average forty-year-old men and women trying to get their daily workout in before they head off to work.  Many men and women use the convenient locker rooms inside the recreational center.  This enables them to shower up and leave straight for work right after.  Each locker room contains several dorm-like showers, wall mounted hair dryers, swimsuit dryers, several rows of lockers, mirrors, toilets, and sinks.  This makes your trip to the recreational center as convenient and easy as possible.  

About seven thirty rolls around these same people you saw entering early when it first opened now leave the building all showered up and ready to go to work.  About this time you start to see some of the college students heading to get a good workout in, which for a college student is bright and early.  Most of these early rising students who come to workout are from adjacent dorms like: Fisher, Anderson, and Porter Hall. They are usually carrying their book bag on their back, hoping to shower here and then head straight to classes afterwards.  These students tend to be alone to ensure that they get a legitimate workout in and still are on time for their first class.   

Throughout the afternoon you start to see the typical college girls who travel in groups who take going to the recreational center as a social place, not really wanting to work up a sweat.  They go in laughing and talking, and go out laughing and talking as well, looking as if they had not gotten any type of workout in at all.  Many of these conversations consist of how classes went that day, what are their weekend plans, or simply the latest campus gossip.  After awhile you start to notice ladies in about their mid thirties making their way up to the main doors all about the same time; these are the ladies that are trying to make it on time for their daily yoga class at noon.  Next, you see young college couples heading up the stairs to the main doors.  These are usually the couples that use the recreational center as a type of date because the guy can’t afford to take her anywhere else, and they’re getting sick of movie dates in their dorms.  

As the sun starts to head down, usually after dinner, you'll start to see guys that come in pairs to the recreational center.  These were your typical high school athletes that choose not to participate in sports in college, but still want to have a defined body.  Traveling in pairs allows them to have a spotter when lifting and also helps motivate them as well.  Usually when seeing guys coming to the recreational center in groups they are going to play a game of basketball.  The center has a couple of legitimate size basketball courts, and guys will usually go for a game of basketball over homework any day!  Along with basketball courts, are volleyball courts, badminton courts, and an overshadowing four-lane track.  When the typical guy exits the building you usually see them still sweaty because they choose not to use the showers and eating a protein bar to ensure their workout does not go to waste. 

As you look out around, you’ll begin to notice that most of Miami University’s newest and most popular buildings, the Goggin Ice Center and the brand new parking deck, are located on the north side of the recreational center.  You have the massive Goggin Ice Center, built in 2006 and features two national hockey league size sheets of ice, on your left (Walker).  On your left, you have probably the most beautiful parking deck I have ever seen in my life.  Directly in front of the north side of the recreational center you have this red carpet like royal sidewalk, leading to spring street, where all the educational buildings are located.  Just like everywhere else on campus you see many trees surrounding the recreational center area, surprisingly very beautiful sight.  It’s amazing as you notice how many people walk to and from the recreational center, but not one stops to see the beautiful sight around it.

It is not unusual to go to the recreational center and see many of these types of people working out.  Based on who their with, or what time their there, you can usually figure out their reason for coming to workout.    Besides the plethora of people going to workout, I also see countless people in generally a red shirt and tan pants, pass me on their way to the main doors for work.  Running the one hundred and fifty thousand square foot recreational center is not an easy job (Walker).  It takes fifty full-time staff, twenty-five program directors, and three hundred and fifty to four hundred student staff members to keep the recreational center running smoothly and allow it to have as many programs as it offers (Walker).  

Works Cited

Walker, Mark. "About Us." Recreational Sports Center. 4 Sep. 2008 . .

Journal 1: History as a Writer

When you look at the history of my writing you will probably come to find that I am no J.K. Rowling, Mark Twain, or William Shakespeare.  I have always sort of had a not so creative imagination, which in turn makes all my fiction papers really boring to read.  Then when it comes to writing papers based on the truth, I just seem to list facts and not allow them to transition smoothly into my paper.  I’ve always been the student who has to work ten times harder than other students to receive the same grade.  Many teachers have told me I just need to try to write about the things that people don’t already know about, something that sparks peoples attention so that they will want to read my papers.  Teachers are always telling me to challenge myself an write about topics that that I am not very informed on, the tell me I can learn through my papers. 

There are many things that I however think that I struggle with like: transitioning into new paragraphs, saying things in my own words, and using correct punctuation.  I have trouble knowing when it is time for a new paragraph and not confusing people in my paper.  When I cite information from other sources I tend to make it sound too much like the text and not original.  Last, I definitely have trouble with proofreading my papers and leaving too many punctuation errors in it. 

As you can tell, I am not the strongest writer in the world, and I have no faith in myself either.  Resulting in the reason why I don’t like to write.  The only writing I only look forward to in my day is writing to my friends back home through Internet using facebook, email, and myspace!  This class will hopefully make me stronger and more confident in the papers I will have to write all semester!