English Major Showcase:
Kirk Ring. Virginia Military Institute. May 4, 2020
Advisor: Colonel McDonald
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1. “Rhetorical Practice in Applied Mathematics” ERH 202W- Rhetoric
I wrote this essay as a part of Modern Rhetorical Traditions. In this essay I discuss the rhetorical elements that can be found within Mathematics. This was the first essay that really struck me as liking the study of rhetoric. This essay was very challenging and was suggested to me by Colonel McDonald. When first suggested I hadn’t the slightest idea how I would be able to make a connection between Math and Rhetoric! But through the right research and analysis I was able to write the paper. Being able to find rhetoric in almost anything, especially now a days, was part of the inspiration for my capstone project.
2. “iPhone Ad Essay” ERH 221W- Creative
In this essay I discuss and explore the different elements found within a particular iPhone advertisement. This was among the enjoyable assignments that I’ve completed as an English major. This paper gave me the freedom to analyze and interpret the tv commercial however I saw fit. This paper also allowed me to think and write creatively about something very objective. Assignments such as this have definitely played a role in my path towards my current capstone research project. During my research towards my capstone I will definitely reflect on the skills that I learned and practiced in this course.
3. “Literacy Technology” ERH 221W- Disciplinary Terminology
This essay discusses the various forms of technology used in literacy, specifically the cellphone. In this essay I discuss not only the cellphone plays an integral part in communication, but I also display a variety of English disciplinary terminology. Part of this essay referenced research from another scholar which required that I understand some advanced language and concepts that he discussed. Essays such as this will be good references in my capstone project and a reminder to not shy away from disciplinary terminology. While not completely related to my capstone research topic, this essay is a good example of a time when I referenced research from another scholar.
4. “Too Much Freedom?” ERH 207W- Ethics
In this essay I demonstrate an understanding for ethical principals such as Mills Harm Theory. In this essay I discuss Mill’s theory and how it relates to utility and the concept of self-benefit. This paper is good example of a time where I analyzed literature surrounding ethical concepts. While my capstone paper does not surround the idea of an ethical question, there will be some principles discussed in advertising. Having a strong foundation in ethics will help me when exploring the ethics behind manipulative rhetoric in advertising. Ethical terminology and discussion is much different than most literature, however, relates heavily to the study of rhetoric. I will be integrating both in my capstone research project.
5. “Frankenstein Reflection” ERH 205- Reflection
In this reflective essay I discuss the readings and lessons learned in British Literature while reading the novel Frankenstein by Mary Shelly. In this culminating essay, I showcase everything that I learned during that unit by incorporating many different elements. This is essential to my capstone research project because I will be displaying my findings and work in a similar fashion. Being able to culminate a long period of work, with many different aspects, is necessary for a successful capstone project. Fortunately, I have practiced such skills in many English courses in the past as displayed in this paper.