Carol Raterman
Language Controversies has been a very interesting class with all of the discussions we have had about different subjects we have read. This class has helped me realize my strengths and weaknesses I possess. I have always had trouble transitioning from one paragraph to the next in anything I write. Grammar has never been one of my strong points.
At the beginning of this semester, I had difficulties being able to write a thesis statement, opening paragraph, a conclusion paragraph, and my transitions. By the end of the semester, I feel that I have become a stronger writer by orgaizing my thoughts, introducing new ideas and transitioning my thoughts.
I feel as though I have improved in argumentation because I have had so many opportunities to defend my point. Defending your point is only one part of the argumentation. The second part of argumentation includes thinking how the other side would possibly make their case and be prepared for whatever they will say to you. Arguing a point involves preparing your own case, thinking about what the other side would mention, and then present the argument. Before this class, I did not think about preparing the other side’s argument. This class has helped me learn different ways people think and different ways people act.
As we read more articles as it got later in the semester, I feel as though my critical thinking skills improved. Before this class I would just read the article, it seemed like I was just looking at the words, and it would take me two times before I knew I would comprehend what I was reading. Now I feel like it is easier to read and comprehend articles.
I feel very comfortable with adding to the class discussions. When I am more interested in the subject or if I am avid about a topic, I contribute more to the conversation. At the beginning of the semester, I felt like I was not very strong in the subject of English. Now I think English is one of my favorite subjects. I have found where my strong points and my weaknesses are in the subject of English.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Mary Elizabeth Lowe
English 1101
Dr. Hughes
November 23, 2009
Over the past semester I have enjoyed this class a great deal and I believe that I have learned quite a bit about grammar, debate and a variety of language issues. Prior to this course my argumentation was rather weak and far from concise. Also, I have learned the importance of acknowledging all aspects of an argument, even those with which I do not necessarily agree. While learning and writing about the other side of an issue, my own preconceived ideas are on occasion weakened, but usually, my initial beliefs are strengthened. Similarly, while arguing a point, my audience will be more likely to accept and respect my point of view if I take an educated, bold stand and point out the competing viewpoints which are often times very valid. This ensures the readers that I am not simply ignorant to other’s beliefs, but I recognize them, in spite of my disagreement.
Another key component of persuasive writing is enforcing my own ideas with the opinions and research of esteemed experts in a particular subject matter. Adding quotes and statistics signifies to the reader that I am not simply tossing out random ideas on a whim, but that my work is creditable. Furthermore, as the semester has progressed my knowledge of proper quotation and citation usage has greatly improved.
I am not a “big fan” of class discussions, I am more of a small group type of person; however, if I am required to publicly voice my opinion I have no objection doing so as this class has prompted. Overall, the topics of this class have been interesting, especially the unit on sign language and bilingual ballots. My knowledge of these issues has broadened and I have been allowed to research a great deal which I thoroughly enjoy. My own beliefs have stayed relatively constant, but I have appreciated and benefited from hearing other people’s opinions throughout the semester and I look forward to other challenging English classes in the future.
English 1101
Dr. Hughes
November 23, 2009
Over the past semester I have enjoyed this class a great deal and I believe that I have learned quite a bit about grammar, debate and a variety of language issues. Prior to this course my argumentation was rather weak and far from concise. Also, I have learned the importance of acknowledging all aspects of an argument, even those with which I do not necessarily agree. While learning and writing about the other side of an issue, my own preconceived ideas are on occasion weakened, but usually, my initial beliefs are strengthened. Similarly, while arguing a point, my audience will be more likely to accept and respect my point of view if I take an educated, bold stand and point out the competing viewpoints which are often times very valid. This ensures the readers that I am not simply ignorant to other’s beliefs, but I recognize them, in spite of my disagreement.
Another key component of persuasive writing is enforcing my own ideas with the opinions and research of esteemed experts in a particular subject matter. Adding quotes and statistics signifies to the reader that I am not simply tossing out random ideas on a whim, but that my work is creditable. Furthermore, as the semester has progressed my knowledge of proper quotation and citation usage has greatly improved.
I am not a “big fan” of class discussions, I am more of a small group type of person; however, if I am required to publicly voice my opinion I have no objection doing so as this class has prompted. Overall, the topics of this class have been interesting, especially the unit on sign language and bilingual ballots. My knowledge of these issues has broadened and I have been allowed to research a great deal which I thoroughly enjoy. My own beliefs have stayed relatively constant, but I have appreciated and benefited from hearing other people’s opinions throughout the semester and I look forward to other challenging English classes in the future.
What I Have Learned
Jackie Hand
Dr. Hughes
December 3, 2009
Language controversies has helped me in a number of ways. Through this class, I have learned to look at both sides of an argument before reaching a decision. Also, I now know that it is of great importance to recognize both sides of the argument when presenting my side. By recognizing both sides, I can make myself look intelligent and like I really have passion for the issue. This is because it will be evident that I have researched the topic in depth. Also, I have learned a lot about language. I never would have considered sign language as a completely different language, but I do now. I never knew of so many things that have gone on because of what someone speaks. I learned about the Native Americans as well as African Americans and so much more. The debating we did in class was also a help to me. Through that I believe I became a better reasearcher and presenter. This class has really helped to broaden my horizons in a sense that I am more knowledgeable about current as well as past issues. I am extremely pleased that I decided to take this course, and I have thoroughly enjoyed it. Thank you Dr. Hughes for making learning fun!
Dr. Hughes
December 3, 2009
Language controversies has helped me in a number of ways. Through this class, I have learned to look at both sides of an argument before reaching a decision. Also, I now know that it is of great importance to recognize both sides of the argument when presenting my side. By recognizing both sides, I can make myself look intelligent and like I really have passion for the issue. This is because it will be evident that I have researched the topic in depth. Also, I have learned a lot about language. I never would have considered sign language as a completely different language, but I do now. I never knew of so many things that have gone on because of what someone speaks. I learned about the Native Americans as well as African Americans and so much more. The debating we did in class was also a help to me. Through that I believe I became a better reasearcher and presenter. This class has really helped to broaden my horizons in a sense that I am more knowledgeable about current as well as past issues. I am extremely pleased that I decided to take this course, and I have thoroughly enjoyed it. Thank you Dr. Hughes for making learning fun!
My Progression
I have always loved to express my ideas on paper in one of my writings. This class was a perfect fit for just that. I came into the semester as a self-proclaimed "good" writer, but as we progressed week by week, I could see improvements in essays.
At the beginning of this semester, I encountered problems with simple mistakes such as using informal language in my writing. I would write in the colloquial manner instead of professionally. Simple mistakes such as using the language in which it seemed I speak in an everyday manner really seemed to take a toll on my essay writing. The semester continued to move on and I continued to grow and learn as a writer. I began to use formal language which I quickly began to realize, even when proofreading my own work, gains a lot of respect from the reader. Although I believe that I have essentially gotten rid of colloquial language, I still feel like I struggle with it from time to time.
In argumentation, I feel more confident in standing for what I truly believe in. I feel like before this class I would just as easily give on some other person's standpoint. The debate helped me gain the confidence I was seeking when trying to stand for a subject a strongly believe in. The in-class writings also were a huge factor in the sense that I could argue a point easier in the privacy of my own essay. Finishing with the verbal debates around the circle allowed me to put in a touch of my own feelings that I expressed in my in-class writing.
I love to talk to friends, peers, teachers, and anyone with the will to listen to me. In high school, I was a bit wild in all of my classes and I would never stop talking or trying to make the class laugh. Coming into this class I expected to talk quite a bit, especially with it being a language controversies class. Although this was the case, I never actually put myself out there in conversation. I just felt like the people in the class were just fine with me keeping quite and thoughts to myself. It seemed as if the class had all the people they needed to partake in debate so I was unneeded. I know that this is not the case at all, but I wish I would have put my ideas out for discussion instead of to myself.
My goals and attitudes have altered throughout this semester. While I was focused on running cross country, I also had a sense of focusing harder on my schoolwork than I ever had. Toward the middle of the semester schoolwork seemed pointless to me. I had yet to come to the realization that everything I do here affects me for the rest of my life. The past few weeks have seemed a lot more meaningful to me. I have focused more on school and how this will help me in the long run. Overall, this class was the most helpful in helping me find my way in school and the passion I need to have in every class I take in college.
At the beginning of this semester, I encountered problems with simple mistakes such as using informal language in my writing. I would write in the colloquial manner instead of professionally. Simple mistakes such as using the language in which it seemed I speak in an everyday manner really seemed to take a toll on my essay writing. The semester continued to move on and I continued to grow and learn as a writer. I began to use formal language which I quickly began to realize, even when proofreading my own work, gains a lot of respect from the reader. Although I believe that I have essentially gotten rid of colloquial language, I still feel like I struggle with it from time to time.
In argumentation, I feel more confident in standing for what I truly believe in. I feel like before this class I would just as easily give on some other person's standpoint. The debate helped me gain the confidence I was seeking when trying to stand for a subject a strongly believe in. The in-class writings also were a huge factor in the sense that I could argue a point easier in the privacy of my own essay. Finishing with the verbal debates around the circle allowed me to put in a touch of my own feelings that I expressed in my in-class writing.
I love to talk to friends, peers, teachers, and anyone with the will to listen to me. In high school, I was a bit wild in all of my classes and I would never stop talking or trying to make the class laugh. Coming into this class I expected to talk quite a bit, especially with it being a language controversies class. Although this was the case, I never actually put myself out there in conversation. I just felt like the people in the class were just fine with me keeping quite and thoughts to myself. It seemed as if the class had all the people they needed to partake in debate so I was unneeded. I know that this is not the case at all, but I wish I would have put my ideas out for discussion instead of to myself.
My goals and attitudes have altered throughout this semester. While I was focused on running cross country, I also had a sense of focusing harder on my schoolwork than I ever had. Toward the middle of the semester schoolwork seemed pointless to me. I had yet to come to the realization that everything I do here affects me for the rest of my life. The past few weeks have seemed a lot more meaningful to me. I have focused more on school and how this will help me in the long run. Overall, this class was the most helpful in helping me find my way in school and the passion I need to have in every class I take in college.
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