OPPONENT
LIKE PROFESSIONAL FIGHTING, WRITING IS VERY SITUATIONAL. JUST AS FIGHTERS PREPARE FOR THEIR GIVEN OPPONENTS, WRITING REQUIRES THE SAME EMPHASIS ON THE CONTEXT IN WHICH YOU ARE WRITING IN. SO WITH THAT BEING SAID, IT'S TIME TO SEE WHAT WE'RE UP AGAINST.
READING RESPONSE - RHETORICAL SITUATIONS
The first reading response was an analysis we conducted on a text by Wardle & Downs regarding rhetorical interactions. From the reading I was able to grasp concepts of rhetorical situations and elements in order to understand that all communication has goals that are based on each given situation. The response would turn out to be a foundational piece that I was able to use as knowledge and preparation to further understand my opponent – the research write-up. The text allowed me to consider knowledge-making and motivation in order to understand that the research we were to conduct must have a goal and attempt to derive meaning. The reading also put in perspective the types of areas of research available with their emphasis on how all interactions are inevitably rhetorical. For me, it felt as though a turning point as this was the first time I considered the diverse applications of rhetoric. The reading response marked the beginning of me generating a line of inquiry, as this was the first instance of me considering areas to study language.
Before the reading response, my knowledge pertaining to the study of language was very minimal. I thought typical studies of rhetoric would include traditional written texts. An instance of this is in my subjective notes portion of the document when I stated, “Although rhetoric is being learned for college reading and writing, it can be applied to all levels of communication”. This reveals that exploring unconventional avenues for rhetoric was a possibility, and something I had not initially considered before the reading. It further shows how I found inspiration when I stated “In this case our bodies are a significant part of rhetorical situations, given that our bodies are a main part of communication as a whole. We are able to utilize them to provide signals, interpret meaning, and create symbols during communication”. In this case I realized that nonverbal cues are just as important in given interactions and anything from our body language to appearances can contribute to what we are communicating. Because of this text I wanted to attempt to understand how visuals can also be extensive forms of communication, and I showcased that I found inspiration through my actual research into the rhetoric of tattoos. This reading response proved to be a vital source of information that provided a base for my research through the expansion of my understanding of rhetoric, while also igniting my line of inquiry.
SECONDARY RESEARCH CONFERENCE
The secondary research conference reflects me getting help and insight into the secondary research process. After meeting with Professor Lambert, I was able to gain an understanding of what our research write-up would entail based on her explanation of how our secondary sources should be the basis of our knowledge of our topics. I was able to get clarification as to what we were looking for within each article and how to use the sources for my own research. I had learned to view each article's findings as claims and arguments in order to recognize their place within the larger conversation. This was an important point when I began to understand how recognizing existing research will lead us to develop our own areas of research so that we can make meaningful contributions. With that being said, the secondary research conference was another great representation of the generating inquiry course outcome. I began to state, “I never knew how much research should be involved in the actual process of developing a thoughtful research question. As I’m looking through these current articles I am able to see the ‘gaps’ in the conversation and choose where I want to insert myself”. In this case I was able to understand that the research was supposed to help me narrow down the area I intended on studying. I even stated how I began to realize that a 'research question' is more of a process. I further go on to say, “I’m realizing how much depth there is and how many different paths I can take within the topic I chose”. At this point I was able to acknowledge some of the contributions that were already out there and some of the choices I wanted to make. The conference really allowed me to get the guidance I needed regarding the complex processes of true research.