...Of Civic Life, Rhetorical and Otherwise.
One of my favorite classes this year was CAS, and I am not just saying that. It opened my eyes to whole new ways to get a point across, and it showed me that integration of elements in visual presentation is possible, even encouraged. Usually you are given a set rule when writing and it is not deviated from, but not for this class. I felt I had more freedom to write how I wanted, for what I wanted. It was truly appreciated. Here are some of my favorite excursions (progression style) into the realm of rhetoric, a very tantalizing place.
-Rhetorical Analysis Essay
In one of our very first assignments, we were given the task of analyzing the rhetoric of any speech, essay, or advertisement. I chose to dissect the ethos, logos, and pathos of Ingsoc and Big Brother propaganda from the novel 1984. In viewing it from a two-fold audience, the literary proles and real Americans, I believe the heart of my exigency was hit. It was a very fun paper to write, I got to delve into conspiracy logic and dystopian society.
1984 Analysis | |
File Size: | 146 kb |
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-Passion Blog: Excerpt from Zombies
Throughout the year, I was required to keep a passion blog, and of course I picked zombies as my initial obsession. This post sums up 1. my favorite zombie, and 2. the writing style I preferred during posts. It is very colloquial, and I think, an interesting read.
Zombie Ideal | |
File Size: | 156 kb |
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-Hairology
An assignment of a paradigm shift of massive magnitude to ourselves, and I wrote about facial hair. It is not as laughing of a matter as it sounds, it is a true testament to democracy and human rights. Well, symbolically but you would be surprised how many rulers dictated follicle styling. I stay lighthearted but the importance of the topic is subtly woven through the historical facts and comparisons of the 'new age.'
Hairology | |
File Size: | 219 kb |
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-This I Believe Podcast
A testament to my orator skills, which need some practice, but I honestly am proud of what I accomplished. This I Believe could have been about anything, Anything, that you were personally invested in. I am invested in self-confidence, in others and in myself, so I chose to give a speech about how it is okay to be different. It is not a shaming thing and it is okay to be proud of who you are and what you have achieved. Like I am about this podcast, it took me quite a few takes. http://sites.psu.edu/mceriani/files/2013/01/makensi.mp3
And the transcript.
And the transcript.
I Believe | |
File Size: | 60 kb |
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-Passion Blog: Excerpt from Humanology
This passage comes from the second half of my passion blog, when I switched from zombies to modernized anthropology. I was interested in looking into the original meanings of things, and seeing how the connections changed over time. This was the most invested post from this era, and it still fills me with sadness for meanings gone by.
Original Peace | |
File Size: | 107 kb |
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-Deliberation Essay
This essay was set as a way for us to interact with cyber strangers and see if true deliberation could be achieved through anon posts. My deliberation was lacking in that I only got a few responders, but my analysis of my less-than deliberations demonstrated a knowledge of what a good deliberation is. It shows I am fully aware of my pitfalls in these discussions, but it also shows I know how to hold my own when the moment demands it.
Time is a Factor | |
File Size: | 1575 kb |
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-Persuasive Essay
My persuasive essay is one that I hope its message continuously resonates with the audience. I truly hope that I got my point across in that we as a society need to step back and look at the examples we are leaving for our children. This message also hits close to home, as it should, but because if reared a little differently, I could have become a statistic. Luckily, I didn't, but that does not take away the seriousness of the matter.
Innocently Wrong | |
File Size: | 267 kb |
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-Advocacy Project
I advocated for hope. The best explanation I can give is that we all need it, want it. A little reminder does not hurt. The memo attached to my pieces explains the simple yet vast message in greater detail.
Hope Memo | |
File Size: | 98 kb |
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