Courage

The caption for this picture reads "standing up to the school bully". I think standing up to the bully is the most courageous thing of all. I believe it requires far more courage than the firefighters in the picture from the book (because they are doing the job they chose) and far more courage than a penguin jumping into water, although I really like the caption below that photo. Standing up to a bully requires making a conscience effort to convince yourself that you are not going to take it anymore. Not only is one's own mind an enemy because of self-doubt one creates, but there is always the fear of standing up to a bully and the fear of a physical confrontation. A kid didn't choose to be picked on and making that decision to not take any more crap is the most courageous things that probably doesn't happen nearly as much as it should.

I'll Fly Away

I'll Fly Away is a song performed by The Kossoy Sisters. It is an old timey melody that shall be considered belonging to the folk music genre.  Not everyone would agree, however. some people would say that this song would be considered gospel music, and even though it may have originally be written for christian gatherings, the song has been transformed into a folk song. Others would say that this is a bluegrass song. Although the song could fall into both of those genres it is clear that since this song was written to put smiles on peoples faces.

Wife Beater

This essay's thesis is reflecting about the name used for the tank top undershirt which is wife-beater. According to Smith, the three problems associated with using the term wife-beater are: the term wife-beater is a man that physically abuses his wife, a fashion statement that the return to male dominance where physical abuse is acceptable as a means of control, and the youth today would rather ignore the overtones of the term wife-beater. Smith includes the definition of wife beater to use credibility to the argument. The only argument that she uses to refute her essay is that the term was created by pop culture in the 90's.The name in itself is what it is and I believe that the name was created from the stereotypical man that beats his wife.

DQ No.2: Wife-beater.

1. In your own words, summarize this essay's thesis.

In this essay, Gayle Rosenwald talks about how odd the term “Wife-Beater” is when it refers to an undershirt. It also talks about how everyone uses the undershirt and even top fashion designers have turned such a simple piece of clothing into a must-have piece that can be adorned with jewels, jackets, or a pricey suit, yet they fail to realize the undershirt has a really bad-sounding and stereotypical name.

2. According to Smith, what three problems are associated with defining the term wife-beater.

The main problem is that it appears to be cool to say the name wife-beater without fear of or without caring about hurting anyone who's probably been abused by their spouse. Another problem associated with the term is that is fueled by stereotype that physically abusive husbands wear that particular type of shirt. The third issue is that this term teaches the wrong thing about men since many woman stated the undershirt made guys look “manly.” Such statement leads people or Smith herself to question if manly equals violent.

3. Why does Smith include dictionary definitions of wife-beater? How is her definition different from these dictionary definitions?

Smith includes the dictionary definitions of wife-beater to explain the meaning and concept of the term and to show how the name of this clothing item is fueled by stereotype and how it is academically established.

4. Where does Smith introduce possible objections to her definition of wife-beater? Does she refute them convincingly?

Smith introduces objections to her definition of wife-beater in the first two paragraphs of the essay, stating that fashion designers have made this piece of clothing into a must-have item that can be accessorized, how popular celebrities wore the undergarment, and how women adopted the shirt with great pleasure. Smith refutes the objections by showing statistics about women that are victims of abuse by their boyfriends and husbands and how violence affects the families in the United States. She also talks about the term feeding its stereotypical concept of men being abusive and violent.

Good Music.

Everyone enjoys listening to music. No matter what genre it is or how old a person may be, we all have a song or a melody that we enjoy. Good music can be defined in so many different ways since people have different tastes. Some may define good music as a song with a special message behind it, others may think of good music as many instruments put together to create the perfect melody or sound. To me good music is simply a song that when I listen to it for the first time, it makes me want to listen to it again. Sometimes a song catches my attention because of its lyrics, melody, or rhythm. I enjoy most genres of music except heavy metal. I just cannot stand or listen to someone screaming while playing a loud sound with the electric guitar, even though a lot of people find that enjoyable, I do not. I love listening to pop, jazz, bachata, hip-hop, R&B,ambient, acoustic, house, and many more.

 The song I have chosen is called Ants Marching by Dave Matthews Band. The genre of this song is alternative rock. This song is about how people are used to the same routine everyday and by doing so they live uneventful lives. It also talks about how we don't tell the ones we love how much we love and care for everyday or more often, how we hear our parents but never actually take their advice, how we regret the chances we did not take. I truly enjoy listening to this song because it inspires me not to be like one of the marching ants, who does the same thing everyday without enjoying every minute of it and appreciating all the things around me.

Pratical Argument

   Expressing feelings is important to emotional development. As a society we have been taught that violence is bad in all aspects. Humans feel the these emotions and have a need to express them. I have always felt an association with this song, and I have dealt with rage inappropriately. Learning how to express one's feeling is an important step in developing emotional quotient. Whether an individual is feeling happiness or anger it is important to be in touch with these feelings. Many people believe that talking about anger is promoting it. This particular song reflects the frustration felt by so many people and how to stand for what you believe in. The importance of standing for what a person believes in is imperative to society.

Courage

The true meaning of the word 'courage' is the ability to face danger without fear. Every time I hear or see the word courage, I visualize many different people facing their own dangers in life. Whether the dangers are real such as a fire or spiritually, going against their own restrictions in life like believing in God in an atheist family. To me courage is doing what nobody else can do and topping it with a little finesse. It's putting on that military uniform, going to a whole different country,fighting a battle for the freedom of your country and coming home to tell about it. Courage is a doctor putting on a poker face and hiding their emotions to tell a family that their child has cancer. Courage is also that child that just got the diagnosis of cancer. It's the person who opens the front door trying to leave the house when they are an agoraphobic. Courage is meeting your inlaws when they don't even know you are married yet. Courage is being that cat walking in front of the 'firing squad' of dogs ready to attack. Courage comes in so many forms and can be interpreted in many different ways. I asked my four year old son what courage means to him and he said with complete confidence, "courage is killing the spider that just jumped out and scared you." Ultimately courage is what you make it out to mean to yourself.

Argument by Definition, YouTube video of a song

"> Adele, Rolling in the Deep off of her album titled 21. To begin with, the actual definition of the word "good" has many definitions. Webster's II New Riverside Dictionary @1996 states that the word good means 'having desirable or favorable qualities,' and 'superior to the average.' There are other definitions however, these are my favorites that I would apply to Adele and her talents. Her music is soothing to ear yet you can get up and dance to it as well. 'Having desirable or favorable qualities' is the first definition of “good” to compare to Adele and her song "Rolling in the Deep." Not only the number one single of 2011, it received three Grammy Awards for record of the year, for best short form music video and for song of the year for 2012. I personally love this song for the lyrics and the deep spirit being filtered through the words themselves. She pours her heat and emotions into every word that comes of out of her mouth, not only in this song but in every song she sings. Adele's passion for her work is demonstrated throughout her album. Good music all the way around. 'Superior to the average' is the next definition of “good” to review and relate to Adele. Even with selling so many copies of her cds and singles, Adele is very humble about her work, taking awards with grace and forever thanking her fans. She may not be every person’s favorite artist but she exemplifies the word “good” over and over.

Essay 1

Christina Vinson

May 20, 2012

       There are many restaurants that use trendy ads that catch the eyes of our children.

   This is a plot to get the children’s attention and to continuously keep them eating in an

 Unhealthy manner.   The food is said to be healthy and full of nutrients but this is not accurate.

     According to this Article that was written in” The New York Times”, many kids are eating

 Out more and missing their daily nutrients.   A team of researchers from Yale University has

Spent more than a year compiling data that proves children are eating unhealthy foods.  The

Target age for these Ads is 2-18 years of age.  Many children watch T.V. and see Ads from their

Favorite restaurants.  Many of the restaurant commercial claim to have healthy alternatives but

Research shows that many of them only meet 12 % of the nutrients needed.

   The Federal Trade Commission is looking into eliminating   these self proclaimed Ads that

Claim to be healthy.   Some companies have agreed to stop running its ads but it is not clear

When that will happen.

   As parents and educators, it is important that we make our families aware of the problems that

Eating unhealthy causes. Although the ads are tempting, we must provide healthy alternatives for

our families.  A way we can do this is by going to restaurants that offer a variety of healthy

choices. Many of our children are having health issues because they are not

Eating a well balanced diet.

Week 4 Good Music

     In 2001, India Arie, released her debt album Acoustc Soul.  The album featured this song ready for love.  India Arie genres  is soul, R&B, blues and pop.
     India Arie soulful acoustic sounds brings calm and tranqulity to the soul.  If you are a true romantic, like me, you wlll appreciate the love language this song gives.  Although arie says this song is not just for lovers but to God.
    I chose to write about this song because being in love is important to me and this song makes me feel close to the one I love.  It reaches to my inner beam and says I'm ready for love. Why are you hiding from me. I'd glady give my freedom to be held by your captivty.  To me this makes me want to be held closely.
   This soulful sound is definetly good music because it's good for the soul.  Everyone has their own style of music they listen to but I am a fan of this acoustic soul searching music.

Argument by Definition

   Identifying the Elements of an Argument by Definition

Q1. In your own words, summarize this essay’s thesis.

This essay’s thesis, written by Gayle Rosenwald Smith, is aimed mainly at the name of a well- known and sought after item of undergarment. The popularly worn T-shirt selectively called, “wife-beater.” in which Smith finds the name highly distasteful and inappropriate used.

Smith’s issues with the name of the T-shirt, is based on the T-shirt’s close relationship to the actual act of husbands beating their wives while wearing the T-shirt. In Smith’s argument, she feels that the term wife-beater supports spousal abuse.

Q2. According to Smith, what three problems are associated with defining the term wife-beater?    

The three problems in which Smith find are associated with the defining of the term wife-beater are 1. 1970s stereotype of the Midwestern male wearing an undershirt while beating his wife. 2. 1980s popularity of the shirt at all types of sporting events. 3. The shirt’s gain of popularity at wet T-shirt contests.

Q3. Why does Smith include dictionary definitions of wife-beater? How is her definition different from these dictionary definitions?

Smith’s inclusion of the dictionary definition of wife-beater was to show how the term is an established academic fact, and that her definition and the definition found in these sources are the same in association of the term wife-beater being deemed the name of the popular T-shirt to the abuse of men against their spouses.

Q4. Where does Smith introduce possible objections to her definition of wife-beater? Does she refute them convincingly?

Smith introduces possible objections to her definition of wife-beater when she made reference from Web searches, boutiques shows, and an article found in the style section of the “New York Times”, were some sources felt the wife-beater T-shirts were attributes to popular-culture figures and also just a fashion statement. Smith convincingly refuted these objections of the wife-beater T-shirts by including a statistical look into the term wife-beater and its effect on children, women, and families, along with restating that her bias was not about the T-shirt but with its name and what it represented. Smith feels that the name giving to the T-shirt can teach the wrong thing about men in general.

“The wife beater” by Gayle Roseenwald Smith  Page322-324 PA

Philadelphia Inquirer  July 2, 2001

        

      

 

week 4 DP #2

Everyday people seek music to either create a movement of energy or to use a method of healing. A good song is something that is original. A good song influences you in a positive way. There is a meaning to the song and it must deliver it’s message clearly. A good song will get stuck in your head because you constantly want to listen to it. The song delivered you good vibrations. A good song does not put you down. If it makes you sad then it is because you are relating yourself to the situation in the song. This is a method of healing through song. Not everyone enjoys listening to the same kinds of music. Each individual has different opinions about what kinds of songs they like. That is why there are so many choices of music.

The song “Where is the Love?” by The Black Eyed Peas is an example of a song that sends a very clear message. The song has depth and passion. This song was written a while back and it did not become out of date or overplayed. A good song will always be a good song and you will feel the same way about it no matter how many times you hear it.

week 4 dp #1

Courage is not defined as just an act of heroism. Courage is a powerful emotion that serves many great duties. It takes a lot for humans to overcome their fears. Many people are scared of something everyday. It takes not only accepting and overcoming your fears to be courageous but to be confident that what you are standing for is more important than your fears. When you are acting out of courage your fears do not matter. A lot of miracles result from acts of courage. If humans were not able to find the existence of our own courage then as a society we would not be so developed. We would not have saved lives, or fought to end unjust laws. Terrible things have happened over the years and things had to be changed. In order to make these must needed changes someone had to act out of courage. Someone had to overcome many obstacles within oneself and outsiders. We must be confident in our abilities, our minds are a powerful thing that can be controlled. Courage is not a negative emotion, fear is a negative emotion and the world does not need any more fear. The world needs more courage and the deep love of something you believe in.

The Wife Better

In your own words summarize this essay's thesis.

The thesis of this essay is an objection over the name of this particular article of clothing which seems to support violence towards women.

According to Smith, what three problems are associated with defining the term wife beater?

The first problem is that although the name of this particular garment is fueled by stereotypes it is now academically established fact. Secondly there does not seem to be an exact pin point to when this term "wife beater" began to be associated with this particular item of clothing. Lastly there also seems to be many different origins to where this term actually came from each article describing how the term "wife beater" came to be an acceptable term for an undershirt.

Why does Smith include dictionary definitions of wife beater? How is her definition different from these dictionary definitions?

Smith include the dictionary definitions of "wife beater" to show a contrast between the to definitions how the could not be any further from being the same if one tried. Smith's definition of the term differs from that of the dictionary definition because she explains that the term "wife beater" gives the wrong impression about the men who wear these shirts.

Where does smith introduce possible objections to the definition of "wife beater". Doe she refute the convincingly?

Smith begins to introduce her objections to the definition of "wife beater" very early in her essay. She speaks on her objection to the term constantly. She explains why she object to the term as well as why others should object as well I aso believe that Smith refutes her objections very convincingly.

Courage

Christina Vinson The first picture is a photo of firefighters fighting a fire. This is an act of courage that men and women of our commuities do everyday. To have courage is doing something that makes a differance in your life or someone else. Fighting fires is a act of being courageous. These heoros leave home eveyday day and may not return. They give their lives unselfishly to save and to protect us. Courage says go and work hard and don't let anything stand in your way. This picture stands all by itself. when you have courage fear and dought has to take a back seat. Even when situations occur in your life, you take it by the horn and ride through the storm. Courage says never give up and never quit because in the midst of adversity you are a winner.

Exercise 12.5 page 325

The first photo of the firemen fighting the blaze diplays courage. The men display courage, by helping others when people are in need and without any reservation of what may happen to them. The men put their lives on the line fighting the huge blaze without even thinking about the the possibility of the equipment failing to operate correctly. They face the fear and focus on the needs of others in a crisis. This is an act of selflessness also, known as courage.

The second photo with the penguins jumping from the ledge into the water. This displays courage by overcoming the fear of what may be in the water and to get the needs to survive in the wild. The penguins have to be able to be fearless of the water and to retrive food for survival. Courage is learning to be a survivalist in the wild and showing that becoming over fear is displaying courage. Courage is over coming the fear and despair of one's self.

Good Music

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJ_1y3iNvwc&feature=player_detailpage


Defintion of good music depends on how a person relates to the lyrics and melody of the music. For example, Adele's song "Rolling in the deep," is a deep song of pain that someone has done to her. Adele puts personal experiences in the music she sings. The lyrics of this song is touching and decribes the pain that love has caused. Many people may feel that the music she sings is depressing, but she is expressing the pain that she is feeling. Not every one will agree that this would be considered good music; however, many people have felt this way sometime in their life. People can relate to the pain of the heart with this song. These are powerful lyrics "The scars of your love remind me of us, they keep me thinking that we almost had it all," feeling of being betrayed and a sense of seeking revenge to the person who played with her heart. This is only my personal opinion that I feel that this is good music and I think Adele rocks!!!

Courage Under Fire

Courage is defined as the ability to conquer fear or despair; bravery. Looking at life and history courage can very well be defined a standing against opposition, when one believes in the cause that is being stood up for. Courage can also be defined as never backing down from a challenge. Courage is being able to face what you fear the most even when a person is terrified beyond belief. It means doing the right thing regardless of how others may look at you. Courage is the determination to press forward toward your goal despite what others may do or say. It is being able to stand up for what you believe in and not being afraid to let your beliefs be known. Courage is being yourself and letting your light shine in every situation you encounter. Courage is never doubting yourself just because you are faced with opposition. Focusing your mind on a goal to accomplishing that goal is having courage to sustain despite the odds. Courage is setting your fears aside to complete a task necessary to your success. Courage is being able to follow your own path and work towards your own dreams to become and achieve all that life has to offer no matter what circumstances you may be facing.

Speed of Sound/ Good Music

 


    Every person is titled to their own opinion of what good music is. Some prefer mellow-toned relaxing music, while others may enjoy more over the top electric music. The wonderful thing about music is that it is all good, it just depends on a person's preference. Music is a universal language that can bring anyone one together regardless of race, gender, or religious views. I would say music is the international language of the world. It is filled with emotions and meanings and anyone can relate to any form of music or song.

    I personally enjoy music that has a meaning and is something that i can relate to. I listen to it all from rock to country. I believe it is ignorant to not listen to a song because of what genre it is categorized in. One song that is moves me and gets me fully engaged in is, Coldplay's Speed of Sound. What really makes this song unique is that it can be interpreted in many different ways. It depends on the person and what their meaning in life are.A good song is one that can have a different meaning depending on the person listening to it, and Speed of Sound delivers this What I conceive from this song is the want to achieve something better in life. To try and make it where you have never made it before. Others may portray different meaning of the song, and that is why I believe this song to be not a only good, but moving.

"GOOD" MUSIC

                Discussion week #4

                                                                                                 COUNTRY MUSIC

There are many varieties of music in the world today that can fit almost every aspect of one’s day to day commute through life. The music, in which one choses to divulge themselves in, depends on that individual’s taste and personal preference for that particular kind of music. When taking into consideration the various labels of music in which one would define as being, “good music”, an individual’s race, style, up-bringing, and way of life can play a big part in what that individual considers good music to be.

The term, “Good" music, can be defined as any musical medium that can stir its’ listener emotionally, by the use of sound, rhythm, and lyrics within a song; to tell a story; make a point; or just to inform. Country music is by far one great example of good music. Although this style of music, to some listeners, is considered an acquired taste, “I love Country Music”. This does not come from the fact that I grew up in the country but rather my own individual taste. My love for country music stems from the way in which the country singers present their music by using real life experiences in their lyrics; sometimes others’ life experiences, many times their own.

One example of Good music is seen and heard within the lyrics of Garth Brooks’ video clip, “The Thunder Rolls”.

 The posted clip shows the face of a young woman whose eyes are replaced with mirrored images of her husband in the arms of another woman, befitting the part in Garth Brooks’ lyrics, where he sang, “… With all the wind and rain A strange new perfume blows, And the lightning flashes in her eyes, And he knows that she knows…” depicted the shot superlatively. This shot express the agony, hurt and pain of a woman betrayed by the man she gave her heart to.

This is a great song, filled with emotions from both sides and the clip was exactly the way one would have pictured in their minds of the rising events. Husband off cheating with another woman, while his wife is left alone to worry about his safety, is a true behavior that goes on often in our society even though the subject of unfaithfulness is hardly ever addressed openly in some relationships, the lyrics of songs have managed to provide answers and a voice to what an individual is feeling or thinking. Nothing says it louder and straight forward then the words of a good country song.

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KxsvlPwKN20

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Discussion Post: Music

There are many genres of music in the world and no one seems to have have exactly the same "taste" in music. Some like music they can dance to, some like music to just sing along to. Other people like music that had a deeper meaning behind it, with emotional lyrics that touch their hearts and speak to them individually. There really is no one genre of music that can trully be deemed "better" than another, either, despite how many would argue that.

Some argue that Pop is the best for it's variety, while others say that R&B or Techno are better because of the beats to dance to. Then there are the "metal heads", the classical music lovers, and the Jazz fans. The Blues, hip hop, all of them. And then of course there are the "rockers". "Rock n Roll", as one type of music was branded in the 1950's has evolved from singers like Elvis Presley and The Beatles to others like Linkin Park and Lee Harding.

I chose one song from Lee Harding's album "What's Wrong With This Picture?" because I myself am a fan of today's harder rock and the rock n roll of yesterday. That song was "Eye of the Tiger". Survivor recored their hit single "Eye of the Tiger" in 1982, and the song became an instant sensation, even being heavily featured in Rocky III. In 2005, Lee Harding performed on (and later won) Australian Idol. One of the songs he sang was his own interpretation of the song, which he and his band Bedrock released later on. The song takes the classic lyrics and idea from the Survivor smash hit and gives it a hard, modern twist. The tempo is faster, the vocals more energetic, and the volume (much) louder.

Exercise 12.5 page 325

In the first photo, courage for them is to over come their fears of many different things to help save the lives of many. They have to run into burning building, wondering if it is going to collapse on top of them or if their equipment is going to fail and leave them to burn to death. They most likely have a family and wonder if they are going to be able to come home that night, but with courage being on their side, they can overcome that fear and do their duty to help the people of their community.

In the second photo, however, courage may mean the same but it defines it through a different situation. Those penguins are on a decently high ledge and they have to jump over in order to go into the water in search for food in order for them and their families to eat and survive. If they didn't have courage, they wouldn't be able to jump and they would be stuck up on that ledge to die. But, as you can see, some of them overcame that fear and jumped into the depths of the sea to continue their life with their family.

So, all in all, courage is overcoming a fear in order to survive, or help something or someone in need. It can include many different things, but as a gist, this is what I would define courage as.

Good Music

The definition of good music can mean many things to many different people. Some people like rock, rap, hip hop, slow songs, fast songs, and many more. Music, in order to be defined as good, has to have some sort of effect on you. Some people think that people screaming lyrics or rapping about sex, drug, violence, and more, can not be defined as music at all. It all depends on the persons outlook on it. As long as it has some sort of effect on you, then it should be considered music, whether that effect is good or bad, emotional or angry.

On a personal note, the song I chose is "This I promise you" by Nsync. I see it as one of the most touching love songs ever made. I dedicated this song to my fiance. If I played it for her right now, she would burst out in tears. It moves us and many other people, as I've read on YouTube. This song found a way to touch our hearts and explain exactly how we feel about each other in a whole four minutes or so. It is an older song by a band that split up a long time ago but it still sits in my mind and on my computer when I get in that mood to settle down and relax while spending time with my fiance. It is a song that will never get old. Ever since I first heard this song, I have searched and searched for one like it and nothing compares. I did find a couple that are like it but never better. I listed then below. If I did a pole to see how many people actually like this song, I can imagine the numbers being very high.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZqFK4dcl2Q&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDcpXlttqq4&feature=related

Discussion post: "Good Music"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoP5NGLsWR0

The definition of good music is when a song resonates with you. It instills something you or brings something out of you, it resonates with your very being as if it was a part of you. Good music makes you feel a wide array of emotions and no matter how many times you listen to it it will always sound amazing to you.
Everything about it sounds amazing to you. The lyrics, the beat or chords, the rhythm, and the meaning behind the song.
Now, everyone has different tastes in music so what one person thinks is a form of good music will vary from person to person.
Using a personal definition, “Bartholomew” by The Silent Comedy, falls into the good music category.
The overall rhythm of the song is incredibly infectious and difficult to keep out of your head once you hear it, the simplicity of the rhythm also makes it get stuck in your head much easier than if it was a complicated cord progression. The repetitiveness of the rhythm is also done well so that it keeps it simple without it becoming boring or annoying to listen to. The lyrics have a strong meaning behind them, it’s about a man who has lived a life of sin and wants to desperately get into heaven but God tells him he has to atone for the evils he has done before he will be admitted into heaven for eternity. The whole song resonates well with people because people want to believe that in the end they have done something good with their life, even if they have to make up for their past transgressions along the way.

Discussion post: Excercise 12.5

Courage is doing something that may put yourself in harm’s way because it is the right thing to do. When a fire fighter runs into a burning building to save someone at the potential price of their own life is an act of courage. When a soldier lays down on top of a grenade so that it does not hurt their squad mates that is an act of courage.
Courage is facing down fear because there are more important things that you need to worry about. When a child faces down their fear that is an act of courage. When a police officer or soldier runs into the middle of a firefight to rescue someone who has been shot that is an act of courage.
Courage is more than words, it can only be described by action. It is easy to say you are courageous but it is difficult to actually do something courageous because human beings have a natural instinct of self-preservation, to shy away from danger. Overcoming that instinct and putting yourself in harm’s way in order to save someone else or keep danger from spreading is courage. Only those who are willing to put themselves in danger to save a life or lives without thinking, as if it was something they normally do, are the truly courageous.

Agenda Week 4

Practical Argument Readings:

• Chapter 12: “Argument by Definition” (315-350)
• Chapter 11: "Avoiding Plagiarism" (281-311)

Presentations:

• "What is a Definition Essay?" (South Texas College)
• "Avoiding Plagiarism" (University of Tennessee)

Resources:

"Writing the Music Paper" (Dartmouth University)
Writing About Music handout on the Lessons page of our course Angel site.

Discussion Questions:

• Post a YouTube video of a song to the blog.  Use the "Template for Writing an Argument by Definition" (PA 350) to define "good" music and demonstrate how the song is or is not "good."
• Read "The Wife Beater" (PA 322-4) and answer questions 1-4.
• Choose a music review from NPRs Music Review Archive.  Post a link to the review here.  Does the review use any aspects of argument by definition?  Explain where and why you believe definition is or is not used.
• Complete Exercise 12.5 on page 325-6 of PA..
• Post a YouTube video of a song to the blog.  Use the techniques of definition argument to define a certain musical genre.  Use evidence from the song to demonstrate why it is an example of that genre.

Assignment:

Essay 3, due Monday, June 11 at 11:59 pm.
The assignment sheet will be posted to the Lessons page of Angel as Essay 4: Music Definition.

Remember that your essay must be posted before midnight, or the dropbox will close.  

Harry Potters Girl Trouble

Christina Vinson June 3,2012 In the Harry potter books Schoefer is impressed by how kids are becoming passionate readers. The books are so great until there is a waiting list at the public library. These books provide a magical mystery,eye raising suspense, andcompelling language use. Schoefer conveys that she ignores the sexism part about these books. Schoefer goes on to name a few of the books and compare there sexes attitude. Schoefer is argueing her point about girls not being a direct charecter in these books Although Hermione is a girl and a best friend of Harry Potter, she does not take an fore front spot. Hermione is said to be smart and a goody goody person but it doesn't give her any special parts or powers. Harry Potter is the heroic person that saves a girl in distress. We can look at it as if he was protective friend or here heis again to save the day. I think she argued her point that girls aren't put in super hero stages but I think that it is up to the person, man ,woman,and and try to put themselves in the front lin

Harryy Potter's Girl Trouble

Schoefer points out that the Harry Potter books have turned kids into "passionate readers". She also pointed out that there are definitely some characters that she  really got enchanted  with. She mentioned "Diagon Alley haunted me, and the Sorting Hat dazzled me".

Schoefer ignores that what Hermione went through is pretty accurate to what girls go through at that age. It may not be right, and it may not be fair, but I am pretty sure that J.K. Rowling wrote it that way because it is historically accurate and realistic even in the unrealistic setting the rest of the book is set in.

Schoefer thinks that J.K. Rowling writes about the stereotypes that woman face and that many women are known for. I think that Schoefer should possibly think about what the writing really had in mind. Maybe Rowling's does not see that as a stereotype and maybe just a good old fashioned story. Would the books be nearly as popular if it was a female lead role and the boy (Harry Potter) was the one that screamed every time something scary happened. I think Schoefer should maybe focus more on everyone that is buying the book instead of the author as caving into stereotypes because it sure looks like a lot of people are OK with the way the books were written.