In Class: Thanksgiving break

Thanksgiving break is such a teaser.  While technically it is considered a "break" there is not really enough time to fully enjoy a breaks-worth of goodness when finals are coming so soon!  Over Thanksgiving break I got to spend some time with my family and friends, do lots of homework, and enjoy the beautiful San Diego weather.  I feel like Thanksgiving break is like a prepping period for winter break because it gives you a chance to make a list of all the things you wanted to do and didn't get to do because there was not enough time.

Unit III Proposal

We have chosen to address the topic of music piracy. We would like to enter this conversation because music piracy has recently become more prevalent than ever. With websites offering free music at the click of a mouse, it is easier and more affordable to download illegal songs than it is to obtain the music legally.

It is necessary that we spread awareness of the consequences associated with music piracy. Although there are positive aspects to free music downloads such as exposure, copyright infringement is punishable offense. It is common that students are unaware of the consequences that can range from lawsuits to large fines of millions of dollars.

Our audience will be traditional students currently enrolled in Texas Christian University, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. These students tend to be more thrifty than others because of the high cost of education. Students are often the most common offenders of these copyright laws. Most students own a laptop and have access to the internet making it easy to download illegally.

Ideas for genres/mediums:
- Daily Skiff Article
- Poster (mainly visual)
- Song

In Class:Reading

The reading talked about the power of visual arguments; images, fonts, and whitespace among other things play a big role in making an argument.  Using a sophisticated font, for example can make the audience view the text as being high class and serious while using a childish font can make the audience associate the text with fun or youth.  Logos are also strategically chosen; for example, McDonalds and the President of the United States have different logos that characterize the type of business/person they are.  The right visual elements can help to market your product, company, or just send the right message to the audience.

In Class: reading

From the reading I learned that is

job descriptions

In order to have a successful group it is imperative that everyone is on the same page.  It is important that everyone is organized, timely, and enthusiastic about doing their very best work at all times.  In the group, I will be responsible for bringing creative ideas and media relations.  Remley will be in charge of note taking and editing, while Axel will be in charge of technology resources.

In Class: Ideal group situation

An ideal group situation would be a group that is organized, punctual, professional, funny, and with Remley Johnson.  Group work has the potential to be so successful when members are effective with their time.  My ideal group would have a plan and take steps each meeting to reach that goal. My group members would be able to come up with original ideas, and work effectively to create a professional project. 

Unit 2 Proposal

Proposed topic: For this essay I am planning to analyze the argument surrounding the Miss USA beauty pageant, specifically the 2009 Carrie Prejean/Perez Hilton scandal regarding Prejean's views on gay marriage.  Prejean and Perez Hilton's differing viewpoints have caused quite a controversy, and as a result received publicity from major news networks, blogs, and tabloids. Due to the way the contest works, judges are allowed to award candidates with however many points they believe each candidate deserves; many say Perez Hilton took advantage of the situation and of Carrie Prejean's title.

Primary sources: I believe first hand accounts of the Miss USA pageant from various perspectives will be legitimate sources.  Also I think actual footage from the 2009 Miss USA pageant, Prejean and Hilton's twitter, and actual accounts from people who attended the event will serve as credible sources.

Why I chose this topic: I chose this topic because as a native San Diegan I feel connected to Carrie Prejean and care about the legitimacy of the competition.  Deserving or not, I feel that Carrie Prejean should not have had her score deducted because of her views on gay marriage.  I feel that Perez Hilton's motive for giving such a low score to Prejean was not to promote gay rights, but to promote himself and gain a larger fanbase for his blog.  It will be interesting to analyze different people's viewpoints and arguments to see what side has a more compelling argument, and how this links to how Americans make arguments as a whole.