Grace's E-Portfolio

Official Course description

This course introduces students to writing as a conscious and developmental activity. Students learn to read, think, and write in response to a variety of texts, to integrate their ideas with those of others, and to treat writing as a recursive process. Through this work with texts, students are exposed to a range of reading and writing techniques they can employ in other courses. Students work individually and collaboratively, participate in peer review, and learn to take more responsibility for their writing development. Placement into this course is determined by multiple measures, including high school achievement and SAT scores.

Personal Course Description

English 110 has been an opportunity for me to refine my writing and thinking skills and explore an ocean of ideas. Initially, I approached it as if it were just some requirement then, towards the end of the semester, it ended up being more of a forum where I could hone my voice as a writer and thinker. Equally valuable was how it taught me to write for a purpose and more clearly. The assignments urged me to deeply think about some different issues: the influence of social media on mental health, and how to build resilience in today’s digital world. I valued the course structure: not only did it include essay drafting and revisions, but it also included peer reviews and reflections that allowed me to see my work from many different perspectives.

Discussion Questions

1. How do the perspectives on psychopathy presented in the talk challenge our understanding of mental health, and what implications might this have for social attitudes towards individuals labeled as psychopaths?

2. What considerations arise when using psychopathy tests in various settings? Should certain individuals be subjected to these assessments, and if so, under what conditions?

3. How does the concept of psychopathy vary across different cultures, and what factors might influence these variations? Can the test be adapted to account for cultural differences in behavior and values?

“How One Tweet…”

1.In what ways can a single tweet shape public opinion or provoke social change? What are some historical examples that illustrate this?

2. What responsibilities do individuals with large social media followings have when sharing information? How can they prevent the risk of spreading misinformation or causing harm?

3. How does the want for being viral affect the authenticity and meaning of messages shared on social media platforms? Are there benefits or drawbacks to ideas through social media? 

“Is Art a Waste of Time?” by Rhys Southan elaborates an intricate argument on the role of art in society, more precisely in the context of effective altruism. By using a deliberate mix of rhetorical strategies, Southan involves his readers in the stimulating discussion of the role and importance of art.

First, Southan established his credibility by exhibiting that he understood artistic perspectives and the principles of effective altruism. He appeared to be someone who actually had taken the time to consider these ideas personally, thereby lending some reliability to his argument. For example, he says, “I used to think that art was important. Then I discovered effective altruism and decided that art was frivolous.” Instead, this personal anecdote reveals his power and capacity for self-doubt in front of the audience.

Southans writing shows pathos because it talks about the emotional and psychological effects of art. Southan describes how art can console, inspire, and connect people; therefore, it speaks to the readers on their emotional levels and life experiences. A great quote for this is “Art can make us feel less alone in the world.” The simplicity and power of this statement reverberates with readers’ personal experiences with art, in which there is an emotional response elicited. The essay then proceeds to argue that the potential of art, with its transformative power, may induce in people feelings of delight and wonder, yet also those of heavy reflection. Southan underlines that “art is a universal language” in that it connects different cultures with one another, and even with particular individual experiences. The author speaks, with the help of art, one can look differently at things and extend the borders of perception about what is going on around them, about people.

Logos is represented by Southan’s systematic analysis of the potential positive and negative consequences of art’s influence on individuals and society. This logical approach involves presenting different points of view and developing well-structured arguments to support the analysis. For instance, he says, “If art is serving to make people happier and fulfilled, then it would appear to have some real value.” In this, there was a logical connection between art and happiness that served as a basis in reasoning to support his argument. The presence of logos in the text is also manifested through consideration of possible refutations. The author does not discard the possible refutations against the value of art, such as subjectivity in art or even elitism, without reasoning them out. This balanced approach strengthens his argument because it shows an overall understanding of the topic.

One of the strengths of Southan’s essay is his openness to counterarguments. He brings in the effective altruist view that maybe art is less of value compared with direct charity, but then counters that line of thought with subtlety. “But perhaps art’s value is more than just the sum of its parts.” This sentence introduces one counterpoint to the entirely utilitarian view of the value of art. The structure of the essay reinforces this.

Although Southan’s essay does not ultimately deliver the answer to whether art is a waste of time, it invites readers to deeper reflection on art’s rich role in human experience and societal progress. Southan’s balanced and reflective exploration invites the readers to make up their mind about the value of art in the context of effective altruism and beyond. In conclusion, with the use of ethos, pathos, and logos; addressing the counterarguments; and clear structure, Southan builds a compelling exploration of the place of art in the context of effective altruism and societal impact.