Midterm
Introduction
During the first half of this semester I have grown educationally and gained multiple skills. I’ve learned how to effectively collaborate, practiced my critical thinking, and have gotten stronger in my communication. I have most enjoyed class discussion and being able to build more effective communication skills. During the first half of the semester I’ve struggled with time management and being organized, but am constantly working towards being better in those areas. I feel that I’ve made good progress in meeting majority of my goals because most of them go hand in hand with each other. It hasn’t been extremely difficult to make clear points, uses supporting details, or organize the information I’ve learned in a way that shows my understanding of a topic. A goal that I want to improve on in goal 2 because understanding multiple worldviews will help to broaden my perspective and be able to appreciate differences.
Goal 1 (20%)
Be creative in my thinking, present fresh ideas, and be open to more than one possible solution to a problem.
https://youtu.be/eaMw5zx_mEI?si=jfgBiQw_Jvr6kL1R
Digital Project 2 is proof of this goal because it shows how I was able to be creative in my analysis. The video allowed me to be imaginative and connect different ideas on video, demonstrating creativity. This goal was difficult for me because I had to branch out and step outside my comfort zone in order to show creativity.
Goal 2 (20%)
Explore different worldviews and cultural experiences in my research process and use them as sources.
“In Danieli’s research he interviewed holocaust survivors, and it was shown that they didn’t receive the mental help that they deserved. Many people that sought help were either not believed or not taken seriously which makes them feel alone and puts more pressure on the people around them. Danieli also showed that social support is the most important factor in coping with traumatic stress. When people feel like there is no one around they lose hope. As a society we should work harder on being there for others that have gone through hard times. We tend to force others to deal with things by themselves which is not a healthy way of life. Another point Danieli makes is about the “conspiracy of silence” between the holocaust survivors and society. Not talking about traumatic experiences intensifies the preceding traumatic events and silence is profoundly destructive for the Person’s families, Society and the community. Social support is a key factor in coping with traumatic stress.”
I included an excerpt from a source analysis that I wrote to show proof of this goal. Through source analysis I have explored different worldviews and experiences and incorporated them into my research process. This excerpt shows that I utilized a source from concerning a worldview different from my own, gained an understanding, and applied it to my research.
Goal 3 (15%)
I will be clear with the points I want to make and only utilize sources that support those points being understandable to my audience and direct in my explaining.
“Another rhetorical method the author used is logos. The author included stats of what happens when an artist’s song is streamed. The two sources of revenue on streaming platforms are from subscriptions and advertisements. Spotify’s financials for the first quarter of 2022 were included in the article to show how money is generated. 42% of users had premium and 58% were free users, generating revenue from ads. Subscriptions generate 90% of total revenue versus 10% from advertisement. Including this fact may lead to more people choosing to subscribe to premium. The author repeats through stats the point of more streams, means more money, so stream music. “
“Artists are directly affected by stream numbers which makes them apart of the target audience. Upcoming artist whose music isn’t stream as much and new artist who want to start the process of getting their music streamed are especially targeted because the information shared can help them not only learn how they can increase the amount of money they receive or don’t receive from streams, but also what they can do to enlarge their personal fanbase and advertise themselves in a way that encourages their audience to stream their music.”
I included sections from reflection 4 and 5 to prove that I’ve been working towards this goal. These artifacts prove that I’ve met this goal by showing that in my writing I make clear points and include details that clearly support my claim.
Goal 4 (20%)
I will only incorporate texts that are significant to the topic at hand and make clear connections between the subject and the sources that I make use of.
“This source is related to our research topic because both have to do with reparative justice in communities that have been wronged. If the underlying issues aren’t talked about there is no way to generate solutions. Communicating that there are problems allows for people who are blind to the issues opportunity to put effort into changing current behaviors and moving the process of reparative justice in a positive direction. The holocaust victims can’t receive the help they need because the need is not being communicated. People affected by the history of the Missouri Botanical can’t be recognized if the true story behind the garden isn’t being told.”
This section from a source analysis that I wrote demonstrates this goal because it shows that my source was relevant to the topic and I was able to make clear connections between the research I’m doing and the source that I read.
Goal 5 (25%)
Use appropriate and compelling content to demonstrate a thorough understanding of my topic.
https://youtu.be/eaMw5zx_mEI?si=jfgBiQw_Jvr6kL1R
“The best method for appealing to my audience is focusing on what is important to them. To appeal to the part of my audience that is behind the music making or want to start, I will need to organize my information in a way that describes what they need to do to increase their stream numbers and in turn make money from streams. To appeal to music listeners, I will arrange my knowledge in a way that expresses how people’s individual streams affect the artists they listen to directly and also show how the different subscriptions they have change how much or little artists are compensated.”
Digital Project 2 proves that I’ve demonstrated this goal. Through my rhetorical analysis I showed that I thoroughly understood my topic. I’ve also included an excerpt from Reflection 5 because it shows a thorough understanding of my audience.