What is RCL?!?

At orientation when picking my classes I never was really clear on what class I chose for English. I knew it was honors but I wasn’t sure what it would be like. Would it be like a regular English class? Would it be like AP Literature with analyzing Shakespeare? What do you learn in a Rhetoric and Civic Life English class?! Learning how to be civic in an English class? Apparently, a lot and it’s quite enjoyable.

I'm not a stranger to rhetorical analysis, rhetorical appeals, and things of that sort. Actually, in high school they were one of my favorite things to write/do. But I think it’s quite safe to say that I've never heard of textual analysis or contextual analysis, maybe the ideas but not that actual terms. I think I have a pretty good grab on the difference between the two. Textual being more of the actual text with its characteristics. It involves the rhetorical devices which highlight specific features of the text. On the other hand, contextual is more of the bigger picture. It includes the background and hard evidence (support) of the argument. Contextual analysis is what connects the written text to the actual world.

Chapter 2, “The Flight From Conversation,” really interested me. I do believe technology is a great thing but I think it’s causing trouble in society. Every time I go to dinner I always notice how people at other tables are always using phones and not having a normal face-to-face conversation. It really bothers me because I think in the long run not being able to hold a normal, intriguing conversation will hurt us greatly as a society.

Usually when I have to read textbooks, I struggle with retaining and understanding the information. One thing that I have taken notice to is how the book is filled with so many relatable examples and situations. This allows the text to be easier to relate to and understand. This makes me excited for the semester because learning isn’t a hassle!

Thanks for reading! J

                                                                              

Passion Blog Ideas

Which am I MORE passionate about?

Self-expression or understanding international cultures?

“Live your life with abandon.”

To live your life with reason AND to be happy seems like the perfect goal. Whether you’re into politics, how the earth was created, or food, there’s a reason as to why you’re here. So many people struggle with the idea of finding their true selves or to find their inner passion. The first way to figure out how to find your passion in life is to accept who you are and why you are that way. Once you are comfortable with yourself, then you can begin to express yourself and share your passion and views with anyone willing to listen. In choosing to blog about self-expression and happiness, I will talk about ways to find yourself and ways to be happy, etc.

“It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences.” -Audre Lorde

To understand cultures around the world will open so many doors in life. It’s not only important to realize how cultures are different but also important to realize how cultures are the same. Today many people say things are wrong and unreasonable just because they don’t understand it and don’t take the time to understand and absorb it. Understand that the world is bigger than you. Knowing about different traditions and cultures enhances our outlooks on life. It makes it possible for people of all ages to feel comfortable in such a diverse world. Also, learning to accept that “different” is never a bad thing opens or eyes in so many ways. In choosing to blog about understanding international cultures and traditions I will explore many different cultures and how they are different and similar.