Concerns:
1. Which one provides the best/greatest amount of information?
2. Which has the best quotations?
3. Which has the most reliable/most trustworth information?
4. Are they all "primary" ?
Primary Sources:
1. Fox News - It is a trusted news station/paper that provides real/reliable information; provides reliable information about the subject with up to the hour articles about the matter at hand; There are numerous quotes, as well as comidic parts about the sheriff, that provide an in depth look at the on-going case
2. Baltimore Sun - Well known newspaper site; This source has great information about the possibility of Phelps not returning to the Olympics and that his plans are for the future are up in the air; I noticed great quotes from Michael Phelps himself throughout the article, as well as an overview of the controversy and how it has been affecting him and his family
3. Swimming Site (Phelps blog) - It has Phelps exact words; This site is a swimmers forum that provides real world accounts of the issue of Michael smoking at hand; It has his own blog and people's comments on the case; I noticed people all have different views about the issues of marijuana and professional athletes
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Unit 2: Topic
I've decided that my topic will be the E-Cigarette. I think this will be an interesting topic that can be applied locally. In some parts of Texas "smoking" cigarettes is illegal, well what if your cigarette didnt "smoke"? The E-Cigarette could start a worldwide phenominon, helping people cut back on their smoking and also saving the earth. There are many approaches that I can take to this and apply it locally, as well as the broader rhetorical situation surrounding the issue. Smoking has been a national problem here in the U.S. for many years. The tobacco companies are the industry, but our government makes a profit off of each pack of cigarettes sold by taxing them. Since the "No taxation without representation..." history we all learned about the tyrants rulling by taxing. Well the U.S. Government is doing just that, making money off taxing. Its an interesting topic because I can apply it locally and say how it has effected TCU students. I have several friends who smoke so it should be easy to hear their points of views, and I have heard people voice their concerns about smoking on campus and how it should not be allowed.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Authors Note for Portfolio...
In my final draft I have changed things up quite a bit. After realizing I needed to change my paper up to fit the requirements better I decided to change some things. I now feel that my paper has a better focus with its arguments, as well as a much better description of the actual zoo. I go more into detail about the place by describing the buildings and settings I witnessed. I mention the location and how this helps the zoo attract visitors. Next I talk about the zoo's billboard located on University/Colonial Parkway and how this is a visual argument calling peoples attention. Then I propose how being a member can save you money and why its the best value at the zoo. I give a prime example of my day at the zoo and how it can be very non-cost efficent. With my personal courosity I talk about the visitors, or audience, that attends and why these people choose to come here. Last but not least I choose to talk about how the Fort Worth Zoo is helping generate the city revenue, while preserving species from extinction.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Workshop Feedback...
The oldest continuous standing Texas zoo is located right here, in Fort Worth-This is very interesting – maybe describe why you believe it is the oldest/has lasted as long as it has
I think you can also expand on the history of the zoo and what is has done for Fort Worth as a community and how you, as a college student, have been affected.
- I like this idea because I could focus my argument about the economics of the community and how it could effect the zoo, added to the fact that the zoo once was going under, but turned around and got sponsors (money); or I could just elaborate more on the facts/history of the zoo...
- I like this idea because I could say my personal reasons for becoming a member and how it has affected my view of the zoo.
I also plan to add more description about the the zoo itsself, the surrounding area, where it is located, the signs, smells, and possible tastes that are located at the zoo as well. Then I plan on mentioning how the high prices could effect the zoo in possible negative ways and what it could mean for the local community.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Draft 1: Authors Note
In Draft I decided to organize my paper to see how the flow would go. I feel that the argument->Inference/Analysis: discuss for each of 2-3 arguments you’re focusing on…Would work the best, using my two most powerful arguments as my “topic” of each paragraph then breaking them down with smaller but interesting points. I chose to talk about the money factors at the zoo and the economic decision factors one must make while attending. In my first draft I didnt get to talk much about the rest of my paper and the other main arguments I was choosing. I also want to argue the knowledge/conservation issues that the zoo holds and how they are great attributes to the local schools of Fort Worth. Please let me know any ideas you might have or helpful hints, thanks.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
The Meaning of My Chosen Space...
A zoo is an important attribute to any city. The Fort Worth Zoo is a renowned zoo that has been named the top zoo by many known magazines and is the oldest continuous zoo in Texas. To me being the oldest continuous zoo in Texas is an amazing title. It has to hold value for a lot of the local audience because they too are from Fort Worth, therefore that hometown feeling has to be there. It means that the city wants to protect the animals and preserve their extinction. After asking a few of my friends who are from Fort Worth, they all agreed that the zoo has been a landmark for them their whole lives. They said that since they were little kids they have been going to the zoo and most of them continue to go with their younger siblings or close family. The zoo is a great place to hang out and gain knowledge about animals/nature, while having a great time in a safe and relaxed environment. The zoo can also be an important feature for local schools to go on field trips. To my audience it can mean so much more. Most people have a "favorite" animal that they wish to go see. Well at the zoo, you can go see your favorite animals any day of the week. For members its an even greater thing because you can attend an unlimited amount of days throughout the year, seeing your "favorites" as much as you want.
Observing My Space...
While walking up to the zoo I had to get my membership card because the previous time I attended the machine was not working. They took my picture and printed it out on a plastic "id" card. After getting my card I asked the manager where the most crowded places that visitors go to and he told me the special exhibits. He also noted that the MOLA (Museum of Living Art) would soon be opening, but the opening date got pushed back to the summer because of construction issues. I left the membership office and walked through the primate portion because they are one of my favorite. At the end of the primate path I came across a cabana hut with benches and a plug, that way I could plug in my computer to type my observations. Just from the bench I was sitting on I could see the meerkats, the elephants, and the rhinos. After observing for a little over an hour and typing all my notes I gathered up my things, talked a little with the meerkats and left back over the bridge that is the entrance to the zoo.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Observation Notes...
Observation Notes
1) What are the rhetorical objectives or aims of the space?
a) Pathos – cute animals and little children
b) Ethos – zoo knowledge/keepers
c) Logos – people come to visit/view animals in their environments
2) Who is the audience, the stakeholders?
a) Anyone and everyone; primarily younger children under 12
3) How does this space function within the larger cultural framework of identity politics?
a) It revolves year round around the local and possible traveler coming through Fort Worth
4) Describe the physical layout of the space and how people move through the space:
a) The paths wind and go through a snake-like line throughout the whole entire park; there are also resting places with many benches and places to eat; in the Texas part there are things to do for the little ones and lots to participate in (depending upon the day you visit)
5) What kinds of people move through this space?
a) All kinds of people; all races, genders, and ages
6) Purpose:
a) What is the motive/purpose of the argument?
i) To discover is special exhibits draw more people.
b) What is the author’s desired end?
i) To figure out of the special exhibits attract more people to attend the zoo than on a regular basis
c) What genre is this argument presented in?
i)
7) Author:
a) Is the author doing this for benefit? Personal gain?
i. Not for benefit; for personal knowledge and informational gain
b) Does the author have a social or economical aspect in the writing?
i. Yes; socially this place attracts so many people, yet the economy and recent hard times could be attracting more or less people (depending on their idea of fun or entertainment)
c) How is the author trying to influence or inform the audience?
i. By studying the area of the zoo and its inhabitants (people not animals)
d) Is the author a part of that specific audience he/she is writing for? Or what group does he/she belong to?
i. Yes, I am a Zoo Crew Member
8) Audience:
a) How many audiences is the author targeting? What do we know about the audience(s) targeted? Age? Gender? Race/Ethnicity? Class? etc.
i) Many different types of audiences; We know very little about the audiences, except that they are mostly younger aged kids or anyone from any age, gender, race, or class (all types of people attend)
b) Which appeals might be most effective with the target audience? How does the author use that/those appeal(s)?
i) Pathos; with so many cute animals and interesting facts of life all around, pathos would be my choice of appeal
c) What might offend the target audience? In what ways does the author handle potentially offensive information?
i) I really cannot think of much that would offend the target audience, besides running out of snacks or things to do for the little ones
9) Context:
a) Where/when does the argument occur? (type of source, year)
i) Fort Worth Zoo/2009
b) What shape does the argument take?
i) A personal interest thought taken to the next level
c) How is the argument presented or arranged?
i) Through a hypothesis-style question
d) What media does the argument use (written, spoken, visual, etc.)? And how does the media impact the argument?
i) Written – there are all sorts of useful information all around the zoo everywhere (pamphlets as well)
ii) Spoken – the zoo keepers give chats/talks
iii) Internet – the zoo’s website provides the most up-to-date information about the zoo regarding its visitors and animals
10) Pathos:
a) How much do emotions affect the audience? The author?
i) Quite a lot; the audience can see something they do or do not like the animals do, and therefore changes their emotions; Emotions do not seem to affect me as much because I have been here many times and seen some of the animals actions
b) How does the author balance the importance of emotions with the facts?
i) The animals only know how to act natural and out of instinct, with the facts providing back up information about their actions
c) If the situation presented has not personally affected you, can you still relate and sympathize with the author?
i) Yes; if you have visited before then it can affect you
11) Ethos:
a) Does the author have a background that implies that he/she is credible and trustworthy?
i) Yes; the zoo provides only legitimate facts and information
b) Does author give proof of all claims within the argument?
i) No, not yet, more information is required
c) How credible is documentation presented in the argument?
i) Its fine; the zoo provides real facts
d) What are the author’s motives while making and presenting the argument?
i) Personal interest knowledge gain
12) Logos:
a) How accurately are the facts being presented to the targeted audience? How reliable is/are the source(s) of the facts?
i) The facts are accurate and the sources are reliable
b) If there is not actual hard evidence, how clear is the author’s reason or logic off base? Does he/she try to confuse the reader with difficult words or jargon?
i)
c) Is the "common sense" presented in the argument truly common and strong enough to stand when tested in the real world?
i) Yes; it’s very logical
13) Style:
a) How does the author’s diction (word choice) and syntax (sentence structure) impact the audience’s reception?
i)
b) What specific stylistic elements are used? Contractions, highly technical vocabulary, etc.)
i)
c) What is the effect of the stylistic elements used in the argument?
•
Spradley’s List of Concerns
•
Space: the physical place or places
•
Actor: the people involved
•
Activity: a set of related acts people do
•
Object: the physical things that are present
•
Act: single actions that people do
•
Event: a set of related activities that people carry out
•
Time: the sequencing that takes place over time
•
Goal: the things people are trying to accomplish
•
Feeling: the emotions felt and expressed
Space: very outdoor looking; lot made of wood and rustic/old looking; cold pavement; animals everywhere you look
Actor: the people are of all different ages and races; everyone can enjoy the zoo regardless of their set backs or being embarrassed to attend
Activity: walk around and view the animals; kids have things to climb on and activities to do (color, build, petting-zoo, Boo-At-The-Zoo, MOLA, etc.)
Object: benches, cages, animals, wires, pavement, wood fences, food machines, restrooms, cabanas that serve food, fans, lights, signs, poles, trees….list goes on
Act: use the restroom; little kids yell/scream; parents talk to their children with “young/cute voices” to make their kids feel excited; eat; run; write; read; talk
Event: people look at the map and then decide their layout of the day; they choose what animals they want to see based on their personal interest or the person they are with (their kids, grandkids, nephews, ect.)
Time: People usually pick out a pretty day, buy their tickets when they arrive, decide what animals they wish to see, see some, eat, see more animals, take their kids to the activities for them, then go home
Goal: Personal knowledge; entertainment for people to view animals
Feeling: Excitement, sadness, interest, curiosity
1) What are the rhetorical objectives or aims of the space?
a) Pathos – cute animals and little children
b) Ethos – zoo knowledge/keepers
c) Logos – people come to visit/view animals in their environments
2) Who is the audience, the stakeholders?
a) Anyone and everyone; primarily younger children under 12
3) How does this space function within the larger cultural framework of identity politics?
a) It revolves year round around the local and possible traveler coming through Fort Worth
4) Describe the physical layout of the space and how people move through the space:
a) The paths wind and go through a snake-like line throughout the whole entire park; there are also resting places with many benches and places to eat; in the Texas part there are things to do for the little ones and lots to participate in (depending upon the day you visit)
5) What kinds of people move through this space?
a) All kinds of people; all races, genders, and ages
6) Purpose:
a) What is the motive/purpose of the argument?
i) To discover is special exhibits draw more people.
b) What is the author’s desired end?
i) To figure out of the special exhibits attract more people to attend the zoo than on a regular basis
c) What genre is this argument presented in?
i)
7) Author:
a) Is the author doing this for benefit? Personal gain?
i. Not for benefit; for personal knowledge and informational gain
b) Does the author have a social or economical aspect in the writing?
i. Yes; socially this place attracts so many people, yet the economy and recent hard times could be attracting more or less people (depending on their idea of fun or entertainment)
c) How is the author trying to influence or inform the audience?
i. By studying the area of the zoo and its inhabitants (people not animals)
d) Is the author a part of that specific audience he/she is writing for? Or what group does he/she belong to?
i. Yes, I am a Zoo Crew Member
8) Audience:
a) How many audiences is the author targeting? What do we know about the audience(s) targeted? Age? Gender? Race/Ethnicity? Class? etc.
i) Many different types of audiences; We know very little about the audiences, except that they are mostly younger aged kids or anyone from any age, gender, race, or class (all types of people attend)
b) Which appeals might be most effective with the target audience? How does the author use that/those appeal(s)?
i) Pathos; with so many cute animals and interesting facts of life all around, pathos would be my choice of appeal
c) What might offend the target audience? In what ways does the author handle potentially offensive information?
i) I really cannot think of much that would offend the target audience, besides running out of snacks or things to do for the little ones
9) Context:
a) Where/when does the argument occur? (type of source, year)
i) Fort Worth Zoo/2009
b) What shape does the argument take?
i) A personal interest thought taken to the next level
c) How is the argument presented or arranged?
i) Through a hypothesis-style question
d) What media does the argument use (written, spoken, visual, etc.)? And how does the media impact the argument?
i) Written – there are all sorts of useful information all around the zoo everywhere (pamphlets as well)
ii) Spoken – the zoo keepers give chats/talks
iii) Internet – the zoo’s website provides the most up-to-date information about the zoo regarding its visitors and animals
10) Pathos:
a) How much do emotions affect the audience? The author?
i) Quite a lot; the audience can see something they do or do not like the animals do, and therefore changes their emotions; Emotions do not seem to affect me as much because I have been here many times and seen some of the animals actions
b) How does the author balance the importance of emotions with the facts?
i) The animals only know how to act natural and out of instinct, with the facts providing back up information about their actions
c) If the situation presented has not personally affected you, can you still relate and sympathize with the author?
i) Yes; if you have visited before then it can affect you
11) Ethos:
a) Does the author have a background that implies that he/she is credible and trustworthy?
i) Yes; the zoo provides only legitimate facts and information
b) Does author give proof of all claims within the argument?
i) No, not yet, more information is required
c) How credible is documentation presented in the argument?
i) Its fine; the zoo provides real facts
d) What are the author’s motives while making and presenting the argument?
i) Personal interest knowledge gain
12) Logos:
a) How accurately are the facts being presented to the targeted audience? How reliable is/are the source(s) of the facts?
i) The facts are accurate and the sources are reliable
b) If there is not actual hard evidence, how clear is the author’s reason or logic off base? Does he/she try to confuse the reader with difficult words or jargon?
i)
c) Is the "common sense" presented in the argument truly common and strong enough to stand when tested in the real world?
i) Yes; it’s very logical
13) Style:
a) How does the author’s diction (word choice) and syntax (sentence structure) impact the audience’s reception?
i)
b) What specific stylistic elements are used? Contractions, highly technical vocabulary, etc.)
i)
c) What is the effect of the stylistic elements used in the argument?
•
Spradley’s List of Concerns
•
Space: the physical place or places
•
Actor: the people involved
•
Activity: a set of related acts people do
•
Object: the physical things that are present
•
Act: single actions that people do
•
Event: a set of related activities that people carry out
•
Time: the sequencing that takes place over time
•
Goal: the things people are trying to accomplish
•
Feeling: the emotions felt and expressed
Space: very outdoor looking; lot made of wood and rustic/old looking; cold pavement; animals everywhere you look
Actor: the people are of all different ages and races; everyone can enjoy the zoo regardless of their set backs or being embarrassed to attend
Activity: walk around and view the animals; kids have things to climb on and activities to do (color, build, petting-zoo, Boo-At-The-Zoo, MOLA, etc.)
Object: benches, cages, animals, wires, pavement, wood fences, food machines, restrooms, cabanas that serve food, fans, lights, signs, poles, trees….list goes on
Act: use the restroom; little kids yell/scream; parents talk to their children with “young/cute voices” to make their kids feel excited; eat; run; write; read; talk
Event: people look at the map and then decide their layout of the day; they choose what animals they want to see based on their personal interest or the person they are with (their kids, grandkids, nephews, ect.)
Time: People usually pick out a pretty day, buy their tickets when they arrive, decide what animals they wish to see, see some, eat, see more animals, take their kids to the activities for them, then go home
Goal: Personal knowledge; entertainment for people to view animals
Feeling: Excitement, sadness, interest, curiosity
Arguments of Facts
The day of the week for the zoo varies. Typically around Holidays there are more people because kids are not in school and therefore are bored/need something to do. People enjoy the special attractions versus any normal day at the zoo because of their personal interest or just to see the new exhibit for the first time. Its an exciting event for the zoo because new animals are being brought in and new buildings are being built for the special exhibits. Pricing is not that bad at the zoo, especially for members because it is unlimited access year round. There is even a day every week or month (I forget exactly when) when the zoo is open for FREE to the public.
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