Introduction
Hi my name is Jeanne Almeida. I am an undergrarduate in the Class of 2015 at the Schreyer Honors College at Penn State, planning on majoring in International Politics and History and minoring in Spanish. When arriving at Penn State, I was excited to begin classes that would both teach me about the world I live in and prepare me for my future career, hopefully as a diplomat in South America. LA101H, a Rhetoric and Civic life course, - around hich this e-portfolio revolves - has definitely contributed to my achievement of these goals.
To begin, this course has provided me with a much deeper understanding of rhetoric. Before completing this course, my understanding of the concept was rudimentary - I believed it to be solely a method of persuasion - a technique used frequently by politicians to win support for their policies and something that I definitely needed to grasp, considering my major.
Now, however, I have a clearer definition of what rhetoric is: the art of using language and images skillfully and carefully. Through this course, I am now able to identify and analyze the use of rhetoric in everyday life. When watching television, I find myself studying the way marketing teams use rhetorical appeals such as ethos and logos to sell their products. I know how to incorporate pathos, when referring to personal experiences to convey my beliefs. When presenting or listening to motivational speeches, I am increasingly aware of techniques that can be used most effectively to spur an audience into action.
In addition to learning how to identify and use rhetoric, LA101H has helped me develop skills to better communicate with the people around me. I have learned to pace myself and choose my words wisely. I am more critical of choices I make when writing a speech or even having a conversation with friends – because I know now that there is always a purpose behind every conversation and, always, there is the potential for misunderstanding.
At the beginning of the semester, when reading through the syllabus, the course load seemed overwhelming, with what seemed to be an impossible number of essays, speeches, and presentations. I can now say, however, that the time and effort associated with each of these pieces was well-spent. LA101H has left me a more aware and engaged member of society, significantly more prepared to make an impact both in college and in my future workplace.
To begin, this course has provided me with a much deeper understanding of rhetoric. Before completing this course, my understanding of the concept was rudimentary - I believed it to be solely a method of persuasion - a technique used frequently by politicians to win support for their policies and something that I definitely needed to grasp, considering my major.
Now, however, I have a clearer definition of what rhetoric is: the art of using language and images skillfully and carefully. Through this course, I am now able to identify and analyze the use of rhetoric in everyday life. When watching television, I find myself studying the way marketing teams use rhetorical appeals such as ethos and logos to sell their products. I know how to incorporate pathos, when referring to personal experiences to convey my beliefs. When presenting or listening to motivational speeches, I am increasingly aware of techniques that can be used most effectively to spur an audience into action.
In addition to learning how to identify and use rhetoric, LA101H has helped me develop skills to better communicate with the people around me. I have learned to pace myself and choose my words wisely. I am more critical of choices I make when writing a speech or even having a conversation with friends – because I know now that there is always a purpose behind every conversation and, always, there is the potential for misunderstanding.
At the beginning of the semester, when reading through the syllabus, the course load seemed overwhelming, with what seemed to be an impossible number of essays, speeches, and presentations. I can now say, however, that the time and effort associated with each of these pieces was well-spent. LA101H has left me a more aware and engaged member of society, significantly more prepared to make an impact both in college and in my future workplace.