Rhetoric and Composition 2

[erichougen-blog]

DSA Presentation

http://www.johntfloyd.com/prosecutors-press-for-executions-despite-questions-of-innocence/

My topic is capital punishment, also known as the death penalty. One of my sources was from the blog of John T. Floyd, who is a very prominent Houston defense attorney. It isn’t common for a prominent lawyer to provide the public with an interactive blog, so I thought that was pretty cool. Mr. Floyd definitely has credibility, and he definitely establishes ethos in regards to this topic. He has tried hundreds of complex cases in the arena of criminal law, and he has extensive experience involving death penalty cases. In regards to logos, his argument is strong, consistent, and he provides substantial evidence with his case examples. The case examples that he provides are true, factual cases that cast doubt on the practice of capital punishment. In regards, to pathos, he provides the reader with fear and uncertainty about executing people who might be innocent. After reading his post, readers may have doubts about capital punishment because they will not want to risk sentencing an innocent person to death.

[rlfire-blog]

I always think of the “Green Mile” when I hear or read about capital punishment. The idea that someone who is innocent and having to carry out a sentence that was not his to carry is absolutely frightening. In your research did you see a possible trend as far as US States moving away from the death penalty?

[erichougen-blog]

Yes, it is a very frightening thought. I agree there needs to be some reform on ensuring than an innocent person cannot be executed. Currently, 31 states in the US use the death penalty, and it appears to be firmly in place in these states. Texas will most likely always have the death penalty due to the conservative culture and history of the state. I don’t think the death penalty is necessarily a bad thing, but it needs to be used only in the most extreme cases, and it needs to be carefully applied.

[erichougen-blog]

DSA Presentation

http://www.johntfloyd.com/prosecutors-press-for-executions-despite-questions-of-innocence/

My topic is capital punishment, also known as the death penalty. One of my sources was from the blog of John T. Floyd, who is a very prominent Houston defense attorney. It isn’t common for a prominent lawyer to provide the public with an interactive blog, so I thought that was pretty cool. Mr. Floyd definitely has credibility, and he definitely establishes ethos in regards to this topic. He has tried hundreds of complex cases in the arena of criminal law, and he has extensive experience involving death penalty cases. In regards to logos, his argument is strong, consistent, and he provides substantial evidence with his case examples. The case examples that he provides are true, factual cases that cast doubt on the practice of capital punishment. In regards, to pathos, he provides the reader with fear and uncertainty about executing people who might be innocent. After reading his post, readers may have doubts about capital punishment because they will not want to risk sentencing an innocent person to death.

[aler5683-blog]

It seems weird to me that a lawyer is exposing cases, what about confidentiality? The website has a phone number and next to it it says “Call to Schedule a Confidential Consultation.” If it is supposed to be confidential, why are all of these cases and his opinions out there for the public to see. How are you sure that this is a credible source of information besides him being an important lawyer in Houston?

[erichougen-blog]

The cases that he references are all part of the public record, have already been disposed, and Mr. Floyd himself wasn’t personally involved in those specific cases. These cases have been on national television and can be openly researched on the web. Not to mention, these cases can be cross referenced, which I have done, so I know the information is accurate. With his own clients, I am sure he keeps their information confidential, especially if it’s an ongoing investigation, and especially if his clients have asked to keep their cases private, even after the case is resolved.

[daisyrios26-blog]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=myfByN5p928

The official video starts at minute 36:40.

The rhetorical choices that I decided to use for my DSA where videos and a Twitter post that all talk about Gun Violence Laws. The videos that I decided to use all have several pathos behind them. I decided to use these because the topic and its consequences also have pathos just as the video where President Obama talks about the new gun violence laws.

[christopheryoo]

I really like your topic because it is such a controversial one! What are your thoughts though on the recent allowance of guns on Texas campuses like the University of Texas at Austin for example?

[mavasquez1-blog]

DSA Presentation

I wrote about Immunizations and the controversy currently surrounding them. My main purpose was to properly educate parents on immunizations. To help them make an educated decision toward them, and avoid hearsay. I chose a YouTube movie for this assignment which uses pathos. The following YouTube video link, takes you to a movie called the Greater Good. This movie manipulates the emotions of the viewers, and entices fear. It narrates the stories of children that had immunization injuries, and how they have to cope with them everyday.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_nWp6ZHA2Q

[erichougen-blog]

DSA Presentation

http://www.johntfloyd.com/prosecutors-press-for-executions-despite-questions-of-innocence/

My topic is capital punishment, also known as the death penalty. One of my sources was from the blog of John T. Floyd, who is a very prominent Houston defense attorney. It isn’t common for a prominent lawyer to provide the public with an interactive blog, so I thought that was pretty cool. Mr. Floyd definitely has credibility, and he definitely establishes ethos in regards to this topic. He has tried hundreds of complex cases in the arena of criminal law, and he has extensive experience involving death penalty cases. In regards to logos, his argument is strong, consistent, and he provides substantial evidence with his case examples. The case examples that he provides are true, factual cases that cast doubt on the practice of capital punishment. In regards, to pathos, he provides the reader with fear and uncertainty about executing people who might be innocent. After reading his post, readers may have doubts about capital punishment because they will not want to risk sentencing an innocent person to death.

[erichougen-blog]

DSA Reflection

1. What was your process in selecting your sources?

My topic is the death penalty, so I already knew there were many legal blogs and YouTube videos on the issue. I like to read John Floyd’s blog (he’s a Houston defense attorney), so I knew he would have some good posts on the matter. The sources were pretty easy to find since you just have to type “death penalty” into YouTube or Google.

2. How do you understand the difference between traditional and non-traditional sources?

I view traditional sources as accredited sources that can be verified and cross referenced. The author or speaker has impressive credentials and is considered an expert. Non-traditional sources are more casual and unofficial. They can come from casual platforms like Facebook, Twitter, or any kind of blog. The author doesn’t necessarily have to be an expert either. The author’s opinion may still have merit regardless of his education or credentials.

3. What do you enjoy/dislike about using non-traditional sources?

I like the fact that they are easy to find. They are also more personal in nature, and they aren’t just regurgitated bits of information. They are usually presented in flashy ways as well. One thing I dislike is some of the sources I found were too emotionally charged, so I chose not to use them. Some of the non-traditional sources that I found were also poorly researched.

4. Select one of the questions listed and explain the rhetorical choices you made toward answering the question.

With Question 3, I made a reference to emotionally charged posts, which would pertain to pathos. Pathos can be used effectively in a discussion, but I found many sources that were using emotion to overwhelm reason. Overblown emotion disrupts the discussion and doesn’t really get us anywhere.

[erichougen-blog]

Week 13

I am doing the Digital Source Analysis, and it has been an interesting assignment so far. The sources are much different than the database sources. These sources are more casual, and they were easier to find. For example, I just had to go to YouTube and type in “death penalty”.

I think my favorite source for this assignment has been a blog post from a prominent defense attorney named John Floyd. He is a veteran litigator, so he has credibility/ethos. He also cites cases and facts to support his argument, which covers the logos area. As for pathos, he provides fear and uncertainty about putting people to death who might be innocent. It is a well-written, structured post that is powerfully delivered.

[falconrws1302]

Class, 

Thus far I have received 11 responses regarding completing the Digital Source Analysis or the Film Doc. If you would like to complete the Doc, but have not notified me, please do so immediately. Also, if you are interested in completing the Film Doc, and would like to work in a group reblog this post and state that you’re looking for a group.

For the Doc you can switch topics to work in a group. If you want to complete the Film Doc, but do not wish to switch topics to work in a group, then you can complete the Film Doc on your own. 

[erichougen-blog]

I’m looking for a group!

[erichougen-blog]

Week 10: Literature Review Reflection

1. The more I researched, the more my research skills improved. I was able to identify more issues with my topic, and I was able to find more sources more efficiently. Not to mention, I was also able to gather quality information that was more relevant the more I researched. I believe my research skills have definitely improved after this assignment.

2. Yes, my assessment/evaluation of my sources changed the more I researched. I discovered that some of my sources were weak, irrelevant, and poorly researched. These sources had to be weeded out and replaced with stronger sources.

3. Yes, I believe my paper became stronger, and the methodologies helped me with collecting data and information. The methodologies helped me fully explore my topic.

4. I believe Question number 2 pertains to logos. I selected sources that were well-researched and also included statistics, facts, and case studies.

[erichougen-blog]

Documentary Project!

Hey, I’m looking for a group who is interested in doing the film documentary assignment. Who is interested in creating a group? Or is there already a group out there that needs an extra helper? Let me know! =)

[erichougen-blog]

Week 7

The process has been interesting and informative. I have found many useful articles and electronic books through the UTEP Library. I strongly recommend the UTEP Library to everyone who is looking for sources. The internet itself has provided a few of my sources, which I believe are helpful. I live in Austin, TX, and I plan on visiting the local library here to find some books that might will help me with my research. By the way, my topic is capital punishment, also known as the death penalty. There are many perspectives on this issues, with different factors to consider. It’s been an interesting topic to research to say the least. Of course, I am still in the process of revising my research questions, but I believe I have revised them appropriately. I believe the information I have found will correspond with my research questions.

[erichougen-blog]

Week 6

My topic is capital punishment, also known as the death penalty. My only concern with the Literature Review is in regards to redundancy. I am worried that my sources are going to be too similar to each other. One source will favor the death penalty, and one source will not favor the death penalty. I can summarize each source, but I am worried the sources will more or less have the same summary. You can only say why you favor the death penalty in so many ways, and vice versa with those who are against the death penalty. I am worried that I will not be able to find 7-10 sources that are completely different. 

[erichougen-blog]

Week 5

1. What did you know about genres before this assignment and what impact do you think studying genres may have on your writing?

My definition of “genre” has certainly changed after this assignment. I previously thought a genre was simply a category of music. I now realize that genres can be a variety of different forms and content. My writing has been impacted in that I will have a better understanding of my own audience and purpose, the structure and delivery of my writing, and the rhetorical issues that go along with it.

2. What are the complexities of using genres?

Genres can be very complex because they can involve many different forms, styles, and subject matter. They each have their own intended audience, purpose, and rhetorical issues. Each genre has specialized vocabulary that presents different meanings.

3. What is the value of studying and/or writing about genres?

Genres help provide a relationship between the presenter and audience, and my writing will certainly improve. I have a better understanding of specialized vocabulary, and how my writing needs to be properly structured and delivered to have a meaningful impact.

4. Select one of the questions listed and explain the rhetorical choices you made towards answering the question.

The image I used for the first question shows how I was clueless with genres, but now I have a better understanding. I “get it” now. I also like Futurama, so it emotionally appeals to humor and understanding.

[erichougen-blog]

Week 3

The “Campus Violence Against Women” GA was a very interesting piece, and overall I would give the paper an A. I would give the paper full credit on all of the categories, except the category of “Writing Fluency”. There were some grammar and mechanical errors present, but they were only minor. Overall, the two genres are fully analyzed with supporting details and are properly compared and contrasted.

The introduction clearly introduces the main topic, which is campus violence against women. The two genres are then introduced, as well as the subject matter within the genres. The information is important because it gives the reader a clear understanding of what the paper is going to analyze.

In my opinion, the student mostly focuses on the content of the genre, but the student also makes a fair effort in addressing the structure and delivery. The student includes a short section that is solely dedicated to the structure and delivery of the two genres.

I believe the student gives enough details and examples to support the analysis, and I have no confusion whatsoever with the analysis. The student thoroughly covers the target audience, the rhetorical issues (ethos, pathos, logos), and the structure and delivery. The student chose two appropriate genres, and the student maintains focus on the genres throughout. The student provides numerous details and examples from the genres throughout as well. The student properly compares the two genres, and the writing is skillful and fluent. The student provides a strong conclusion with a final comment on the impact of the genres on discourse.

[erichougen-blog]

Week 2

My topic is capital punishment, also known as the death penalty. This particular genre is an image that is against the death penalty. The intended audience would be every single citizen in the United States of America, or any country for that matter that uses the death penalty.

The image has an anti-death penalty slant, so I would say the purpose of the genre is convince people that the death penalty is wrong.

The rhetorical aspect being utilized is mainly pathos since the image is appealing to emotion. Statistics and facts are not mentioned, so logos would not apply. The image is very grim, showing a man strapped to a gurney who is about to die. Two apathetic prison guards flank him, one of them making a very grim remark to the soon to be executed prisoner, and the other guard is impatiently looking at his watch. The image is framed in a way that people will react negatively to the death penalty. The image does not establish credibility (ethos) because no credible sources are cited, and the image is mainly relying on its emotional delivery.

[erichougen-blog]

Week 1 Tumblr Post

Hey, I’m Eric. I really look forward to meeting all of you. I am currently a Multidisciplinary Studies major, and I am hoping to become a lawyer. I really enjoy true crime books and shows. I believe this course will help me become a better writer and communicator, which is very important if I plan on becoming a lawyer. This course may very well be the most important course I take at UTEP. Anyway, let our journey begin!