Reflective Post
Farewell Blog
My time in Rhetorical Criticism 335W has been time very well spent. While in this class I have learned lots about Rhetorical Criticism and even a bit about myself. Here is a short recap of my experience:
1) What information did you find useful in this class?
- I found all of the methods that we learned this semester very useful because they really gave me insight to what a rhetor's purpose may be. Whether the artifact be a piece of art, a movie, or a building, the creator has a very distinct message or goal behind that work and the information about different methods of criticism helped me realize these messages and even it even made me more conscious of the messages that I evoke on a daily basis.
2) What was your favorite part of this class?
- The part of this class that I liked the most was the open class discussions. The discussions made it easier for me to understand the material in layman's terms verses the way the book worded it. It also gave me perspective on how other people thought and allowed me to get to know every in a sense.
3) What do you think was the most challenging aspect of this class?
- I would say that the most challenging aspect of this class were the papers. They truly were not too difficult with all of the aid that Prof. G provided but it was sometimes confusing to figure out a research question and apply the method correctly.
4) How might you incorporate the knowledge and experiences gained from this class into your life beyond this classroom?
- Like I previously stated the knowledge that this class has given me will help me evaluate the purpose of someone's message.
5) Think of a question or issue that is most pressing to you right now. How would you use your knowledge of rhetoric and/or rhetorical criticism to gain perspective on this question or issue?
- I've always admired and feared how much of an impact the media has on its audience. Rhetorical criticism has helped me become more aware of these influences and the methods they use to depict such messages. I personally do not think all of these messages are bad but they do all have a major influence. For example, many ads pressure a certain "look" or "style" upon a person. This pressure may not always be bad. It can send the message of expressing yourself through your style or encourage the audience to become healthier in their diet choices but there are also images that could possibly make someone feel less than beautiful or make them feel like they have to look a certain way. These message can be subtle or very obvious. Regardless of the motive, I now have a better understanding of these different approaches! Also, since I would like to become a part of the entertainment industry, this class has been very instrumental in my decision to try to always portray the message of individualism using the different methods in everything I do.
Well, I guess this is goodbye Rhetorical Criticism.
Until next time, thank you...I do appreciate it!
Signing off,
Shaunice :)
