In the “English 455: Persuasive Writing Syllabus”, Dr. Lisa King asserts that sources of literature, whether they be online news channels, advertisements, or cartoons, function as threshold concepts that have both a conscious and subconscious effect on us humans. Dr. King also argues that those who claim to be both “aware of and immune to the influence” (King 1) of these sources may “unconsciously absorb and reproduce more than they might think.” (King 1) Dr. King’s ethos makes her rhetoric more appealing, as she presents herself as someone who values self-reliance, student-led discussions, discipline, critical thinking, and exposure to new, advanced material. As noted explicitly in the syllabus, lack of punctuality, failure to cite correctly, or failure to participate in discussion due to absence or unpreparedness, is indicative of her appreciation for classroom professionalism. Dr. King’s ethos also includes a P.h.D., which demonstrates her credibility, experience, and authority on this field of study. In order to achieve an in depth understanding of how these sources exact influence, Dr. King believes that reading, watching, and writing about these sources in a professional classroom environment is the best way to understand them.