Saturday, March 28, 2009

Blog 11

Kyle Hamilton
Blog 11
Speech or historical film
Movie: Marshall
Argument –
WATCO continuing the football program at Marshall University after a very serious tragedy on the moral and attitude of the community?
A -> B
Rebuilding the football program at Marshall University after almost the entire team passed away would provide hope to the community and would honor those that had passed away.
A -> C
Rebuilding the football program would continue the tradition the football team had left behind allowing the community to move past the loss.
C -> B
Continuing traditions and helping the community move past their loss will give the community hope and honor those that had passed away.
Target Audience –
The target audience is the community where Marshall University is located. These people were big supporters of the football team and would participate or attend all the games, even when the team would lose matches. Since it was such a small community, everyone knew all the players and would follow all the games. When the airplane crashed, the community was distressed and one player who was unable to be in the plane took it upon himself to re-boost the moral.
Goal of the Piece –
The goal of the piece was to convince the community and especially the leaders of the University of Marshall that the football program should not be eliminated from the school and that throwing together a team was what would save the community from dwelling too long on their loss.
How the Argument is Made –
The argument is very much made through pathos. The player who leads the effort to keep the football team alive speaks of tradition, honor, and having something to believe in. He brings hundreds of people to the building just outside the meeting to determine the future of the football team. In fact, as he enters the room where the meeting is taking place, the leaders try to kick him out of the room and tell him, “If you have something to say, you need to fix an appointment.” His response is, “I don’t have anything to say… they do,” and he indicated the crowd gathered outside the building. As they all shouted, “We are Marshall,” the leaders of the committee were unable to eliminate the team.
Effective –
The argument was definitely effective. The football team was put into place and it was something very difficult to accept at first. Watching the team start from zero and try to win a game was difficult for the community, but when they realized the symbolism and the actual worth of supporting the football team, they all supported the team and witnessed a miracle.

Saturday, March 21, 2009

blog 10

I accidentally mixed up blog 9 and blog 10... so this is the source for paper 2 instead of my argument for paper 1 which I did last week.

Kyle Hamilton
Blog 10
Source for paper 2
Article called “Bilingual Children Become Marketable Adults” by Eva Kingsford
Argument –
WATCO learning a second language while in the early years on becoming a marketable adult?
A -> B
Learning a second language while in early years will make children valuable tools in the future, especially in the professional world.
A -> C
Speaking a second language will allow you to participate in jobs that require people to speak multiple languages and will also increase you IQ and capacity to learn.
C -> B
Being able to participate in jobs requiring multiple languages, along with the increased IQ and capacity to learn will make these people valuable assets to the companies they will be wanting to work at.
Target Audience –
The audience is made up of adults in the professional world who are or will be raising children. These parents recognize that the world is becoming more and more global. They also see that getting a quality job is becoming more and more competitive. They will want to give their child every possible benefit and advantage when looking for a job.
Goal of the Piece –
This news paper article was written to explain the benefits of being bilingual to those who had never really thought about it before. It wants to encourage people to start putting their children into language learning classes while in school and to encourage their children to actively pursue learning a second language.
How the Argument is Made –
The primary form of argumentation is logos. The whole first half of the article is spent talking about how in so many countries, we are finding more and more foreigners. Finding more foreigners in a given country means that those who speak multiple languages will be much more valuable to employers when it comes time to hire people. If two people with the same qualifications are compared, and one of them speaks a second language fluently, they will choose the one with the second language capability. Then they talk about how a whole new range of salaries will open to those with second languages because they will be in such demand and the supply will still be limited.
The second half of the argument discusses why it is easier for a child to learn a language than an adult. It talks about how children can imitate sounds and retain words much better than adults can.
Effective –
I think this argument could be much more effective than it already is. It makes good points but doesn’t back them up with very many solid facts, numbers, or examples. Everything they say makes sense, but we have to just accept everything they say because the author supposedly has some sort of expertise on the subject.

Saturday, March 14, 2009

blog on paper A

Kyle Hamilton
Blog 4
Argument on paper A revised
Argument –
WATCO making high school more difficult on the preparedness of students to enter the work field?
A -> B
Making high school more difficult will cause American high school students to be more prepared and serious as they enter the work field.
A -> C
More difficult classes and tests will obligate high school students to take their high school experience more seriously giving them a greater maturity and capability to study at the college level.
C -> B
Greater maturity and capability to study at the college level will give students a much better understanding of their chosen materials and make them a greater asset for the work force
Target Audience –
Originally when writing this paper, I chose an audience that would be rather difficult to convince. My initial idea was that only the President of the United States would be able to initiate such an enormous change on a nation-wide level. Realizing this audience would be much more concerned about other things, I decided to make the audience much more local. I chose to write to the Alpine School District. These are the leaders of the schools (elementary to high school) in all of Northern Utah Valley. They feel they are running the schools to the best of their ability and feel they are doing a good job, but none the less they are always looking for ways to improve the schools.
Goal of the Piece –
The goal of this article is to convince the leaders of this school district that the high schools in the district need to be made more strict and difficult. I want to show them that currently the students in high schools are struggling to take their studies seriously. They are entering colleges unprepared and unable to keep up with the demanding pace of the universities. I want to convince them that more difficult high school studies will increase the preparedness and maturity of these students which will make them a greater force for the work field.
How the Argument is Made –
The argument is made a lot through logos. I present facts showing that students in America are much less successful at the high school age than those in most countries in the rest of the world. I show from personal experience and from several books written about the educational system in France which shows that a more difficult program will not cause students to give up and feel bad about themselves, but rather will motivate them to work harder and will help them to be ready for the university level. There are also some pathos arguments because the leaders of this school district sincerely care about the students in the district and want them to be as successful as possible.
Effective –
I believe this argument can be made to be very effective. The school district is much more likely to make some changes than Mr. Obama. Even if they make a few small changes in procedure, it will be a small victory. As they make more and more small changes, they will be able to see more and more successes which will eventually lead other school districts to make similar changes.

Monday, March 2, 2009

blog painting

Kyle Hamilton

Blog 7

Liberty Leading the People by Eugène Delacroix

Argument –

WATCO following “Lady Liberty” into battle on the future of the French nation?

A -> B

If the French people are willing to follow lady liberty into battle, the French nation can become a free nation with the desired human rights of “Liberté, égalité et fraternité.”

A -> C

Following Lady Liberty into battle will put an end to the current monarchy and rule of Charles X which is keeping the country from their normal human rights.

C -> B

Getting rid of Charles X will open the position for a leader chosen by the people that will better represent the people.

Target Audience –

This painting was targeted towards the men and women in the bourgeoisie and lower social classes. These people had long been treated poorly and as second class citizens, denied certain rights that they felt they deserved. These are the people who were angry because Charles X had recently made his declarations prohibiting free press, the right to vote without a large amount of money, and many other rights.

Goal of the Piece –

The main goal of the piece is to motivate the French “lower-class” or at least the “non-royalty” to step forward and make a difference in the country. It is to invite the French to follow behind “Lady Liberty” who will lead them to their deliverance. The goal is NOT to say that the revolution will be painless, as seen by the dead bodies surrounding the Lady and her flag. I believe this is part of the goal of the piece, to convince the French to be willing to make the ultimate sacrifice – give their life – if necessary so bring this freedom to the country.

How the Argument is Made –

The argument in this painting is almost completely pathos. The first image that strikes me is the French flag held above the head of the woman. People look up to the Flag. They admire it. They want to put their country above themselves. The next element that strikes me is the fact that there are people from all different ages preparing for the fight. We see an older man on the left, a young boy on the right, and what appear to be several women among the crowd preparing for the battle. On most of their faces, they show determination and desire to accomplish their goal – especially the young boy on the right and the woman in the far left bottom. One thing that is interesting to me is the dress of the woman which can actually represent an ethos argument: having a bare chest represents being a Goddess. Liberty represented by a Goddess incites a trust and a confidence in victory.

Effective –

I believe the painting is effective (despite the fact that the painting was actually painted as a reaction to the event it is depicting). Even as an American who lives in a democracy, I want to fight for the freedom of the French people! I believe the arguments are sufficient and powerful for the audience they are aimed towards. The painting was not appreciated when it was first finished, but today it is one of the strongest symbols of French art.

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Blog 6

Kyle Hamilton

Blog 4

Pas si fous ces français – Jean Benoît and Julie Barlow

Argument –

WATCO putting more emphasis on your child’s success in high school and providing more support on his or her future qualifications for a career?

A -> B

If parents put more emphasis on their child’s scholastic achievements and provided more support in high school, he or she will stay in school longer and will become more qualified for a career.

A -> C

Parents encouraging their children to succeed in school will give them more time to do their homework and more motivation to excel in their classes.

Target Audience –

The main audience for this chapter of the book is the parents of high school students in American-style high schools. Specifically, the author targets parents who feel it is much more valuable for their children to work while attending high school and provide little motivation or influence for their student.

Goal of the Piece –

The main goal of the piece is to inform parents in America of another way of thinking and approaching the topic of a child’s education that has been shown to bring successful results. It is to encourage parents to focus more on a child’s achievements in school rather than putting so much emphasis and importance on extra-curricular activities and experiences.

How the Argument is Made –

The strongest arguments in this section of the book are the ethos arguments. The author takes many examples of students and parents in France who have experienced their type of school system. Several examples of students who have succeeded in high school but never had to work while in school and in fact still receive a monthly allowance from their parents are cited, which, for Americans, is shocking. Immediately after, they mention a study that was made in 2001 by the group called OCDE (Organisation de coopération et de développment économique) in which these students were ranked among the top four in math among 32 countries around the world. In terms of pathos and logos, they are somewhat lacking.

Effective –

I feel the argument is effective for what it is trying to accomplish. The author is not necessarily trying to change America, but rather trying to inform Americans that there is another way of thinking and working that has proven successful. Perhaps an American will not completely change the way they encourage their child in school, but they could take a couple ideas from this new way of thinking and perhaps everyone can be a little better off.

Saturday, February 7, 2009

blog 4

Kyle Hamilton
Blog 4
Tell Her About It – Billy Joel
Argument
WATCO not sharing your feelings with the woman you love on her staying with you.
A -> B
Sharing your feelings with the woman you love will keep her from leaving you for another man.
A -> C
Sharing your feelings with her makes her realize she is important to you and that your love is for real, and this way she won’t doubt you or herself in regards to the relationship.
Target Audience
This is especially intended for men in healthy relationships, probably for the most part un-married even though the argument stands for married men as well. Of these men, the argument is specifically important for those who have a hard time talking about their feelings to their significant other and assume that a lack of arguments of problems means that everything is going great.
Goal of the Piece
The goal of this piece is to keep these men with good intentions from making stupid mistakes that will eventually make them lose the wonderful relationship they currently have by getting them to come out of their comfort zone to share their desires, dreams, and especially their feelings for the woman in question.
How the Argument is Made
The very first verse of the song implies credibility, or in other words, is an argument based on Ethos. He addresses his audience “Listen boy…” implying perhaps that he is the father of the intended audience, or if not the father, he is at least older and more experienced. The next few lines tell us that the author himself has had experience in the matter and made the same mistakes he is trying to help us avoid.
This song has an interesting mix of Pathos and Logos arguments. The logos arguments state that in a relationship, nothing is a guarantee, people get insecure, and that “there’s only one good way to reassure.” Obviously the only way to reassure, according to the author, is to communicate constantly and to share your feelings. If you share your feelings, she will not doubt her importance in your life “because you have not spoken for so long.” The pathos arguments are intertwined really well with the logos arguments. “Let her know you need her, let her know how much she means,” or “when she can’t be with you, tell her you wish she were there,” are examples of how the author reminds his audience of the feelings toward the said woman. As the audience thinks about these feelings, the desire to keep hold of the relation becomes much stronger.
Effective
When I was in high school, this song is one of the biggest reasons I shared my “feelings” with a certain girl. I ended up dating her for two years straight and it was one of the happiest times of my life. After my experience with this girl, I believe the words of the song even more. The only way to keep someone from leaving is keeping open communication. In my opinion, the song is an effective argument to men. Not only do the words provide a strong influence, but the music also adds to the emotion.

Saturday, January 31, 2009

Blog # 3

Kyle Hamilton
Blog #3

Argument -
WATCO purchasing a Gold’s Gym membership with a contract for three years with a personal trainer on increasing your muscle mass and looking your best.
A->B
Joining Gold’s Gym with a personal trainer for three years is the only way you will increase your muscle mass and look good for the ladies.
A->C
Buying a membership to Gold’s Gym gives you access to the best equipment and trainers who are well trained to show you how to use the equipment
C->B
Whatever gives you the best equipment and trainers to show you how to use it will increase your muscle mass and make you good looking for the ladies.

Target Audience – Young men hoping to bulk up and become more athletic. College students who are obviously concerned about financial matters and impressing girls with their big muscles and gym passes on their keys.

Goal of the Piece – Convince us to buy a membership to Gold’s Gym for as long as possible and purchase as many extra programs as we could handle.

How argument is made – The meeting was started with a quick walking tour of the gym. Our guide pointed out many of the different kinds of machines and facilities we would have access to. He commented several times that they would help us look more impressive for the women. When we brought up concerns about money, he proposed package deals, offered gift packages, and continually put the price in terms that seemed less intimidating (rather than presenting the entire price, he broke it down yearly… monthly… etc.). His Ethos arguments were that “Gold’s Gym has the best facilities in Utah.” I suppose I have no reason to not believe him, but I really have never visited any other gyms, so I couldn’t tell you. The Pathos arguments were all about how we could look better for the ladies, something that most all college guys would like. The Logos arguments were all about the numerous locations (we could take advantage of Gold’s wherever we are), the value for such a small price, etc.

Effective – I went into the gym knowing I was not going to buy a pass, but I left thinking it could be a good idea! It wasn’t until later that I reminded myself that I would never have time to use the gym and that no matter how good the machines and trainers are, I would have to USE them before they would make me better looking. I think the arguments they used were effective and they recognized their audience well.