Monday, April 1, 2013

4/1 blog Meta-genres



Reading Carter “Four Meta-genres” has provided me with a slightly different view now in regards to discipline in college. Carter provides us with four meta-genres which are defined as “Responses to academic learning situations that call for problem solving, for empirical inquiry, from research from sources, and for performance”, all in which encompass a vast variety of disciplines. When relating his definition of meta-genres to the discipline I have choose to follow, Exercise and Wellness, I believe that academic learning situations that call for problem solving would relate the best to my major. The reason that I feel this relates most comfortably to my discipline is because I view my discipline that has a problem presented that requires close analysis in order to come to a solution. More specifically, the food science reference he makes as an example for a call for problem solving is the closest example to my chosen major. When he speaks about the food science major and what it entitles, there are a few statements that fight my major such as: “identify, define, and analyze a problem”, “offer a range of viable solutions”, and “determining what information is appropriate to solving a problem and then find it and assess authority and validity and use it effectively.” Moreover, I feel that that the way carter defines and organizes his idea on met-genres is a well-developed way of grouping a vast majority of disciplines across his campus. If applied correctly I believe that the four meta-genres could be used at a majority of colleges.

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

3/29 Blog

The study of sports medicine relates to the application of medical principals to sport, exercise, and physical performance. Obtaining a Sports Medicine degree is extremely difficult and requires much dedication to school and commitment to achieving set goals. A main goal set by most choosing to pursue this major would be achieving your M.D. and eventually starting your own practice. Although the goal may sound easy, there are many risks that follow along with this discipline such as becoming buried in debt, inability to find a job, and having to much to pay back to begin your own practice. Even though these risks may be intimidating and scare some away, attacking this task head-on is the best way to achieve your set goal. Not backing down from this challenge with ultimately lead you to success in this field.
1.What are some of the continuing debates in your field?
2.What is your point of view on these debates?
3.Can you give me an example of how your ideas are different than your collegues?
4.What is your discipline concerned with knowing or doing?
5.What data have you came about to support your ideas?
6. What kind of evidence does your field accept?
7.What is most convincing evidence in your field?
8. Is quantitative or qualitative data more effective in supporting data?
9. What methods do you use to explore a problem?
10.Can you provide some examples of previous problems you have faced and you you came to find a solution?

Monday, March 25, 2013

Blog 3/25

First off, I would like to inform you that the second reading, Walden, was way to choppy for to get anything out of it and I writing about it because I will sound like a babbling idiot. I read the text several times and have given up on trying to locate where Walden addresses any of the essential questions. A side from that, I would like to speak on the first reading, Our Picture of The Universe. This paper addresses the nature of the universe, how the use of scientific theory affects views, and how to construct specific theories in regard to the study. In this paper, Hawking clearly states his view of the scientific theory and the two necessities a theory must obtain to be an actual theory, in his eyes. This would be known as "accurately describing a large class of observations on the basis of a model that contains on a few arbitrary elements, and it must make definite predictions about the result of future observations." In this instance, Hawking provides us with what he believes to be the scientific theory. Although, instead of disregarding other views, he directly addresses them, thus showing the audience different points of view that can be taken. For example, Hawking addresses one of Aristotle's theory that everything is made of four elements: earth, fire, water, and air, but does not make any predictions. Therefore, Hawking shows us what he believes to be an unsubstantial theory and goes us to provide examples of well constructed theories. Later, he speaks on the goal of his discipline and addresses how he and other scientist alike can reach that goal. By doing so, he helps the reader understand what his discipline involves and how he goes about coming upon collectible data. This is also done throughout the paper, The Individual and the Pattern of Culture, speaks on a woman by the name of Ruth Benedict who's discipline is Cultural Anthropology. She believed that cultures should be studied without the prejudices that most people experience when they encounter lifestyles different from their own. Throughout the writing she provides how she comes about collectible data which is cultural relativism. Along with providing the strategy taken to come about data, she provides goals in mind and how she can reach those goals. When settling questions in her discipline she goes about it a different way than Hawking did, specifically "She examines the conventions of several historical and contemporary societies and uses her conclusions as the basis for an argument about the human nature in general." In this reading the audience is provided with a very good idea of the questions are asked, how they come upon their answers, their beliefs, values, judgements made, and the reasoning behind their beliefs. Moreover in these two readings, Hawking and Benedict do a fantastic job at answering the complex questions of the audience through examples, past experiences, and by providing different view points to provide the audience with a good understanding of their discipline.

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

2/20 In-class Activity


Appealing to Audience

The situation: you, a 20-year-old sophomore, have recently discovered that you’re pregnant. The father of your child (a guy you dated for a year) dumped you for a Hooters waitress a week ago. After much soul-searching, you decide to keep the baby and pursue your BS degree in nursing. But you know that you’ll need help; you’ll need to write a letter to your audience (listed below) to inform them of your pregnancy and ask for assistance.

 

Your audience: Your Mama

 

Pathos:

Why would your mother be resistant to assist you or welcome this news?

No mother wants their 20 year old daughter to have a child.

 

What emotions might you evoke in your letter?

 Mercy, Forgiveness, Acceptance, and the need for Support.

 

Is there anything your mother values that might incline her to help you?

 Her hatred for abortion may incline her to help you.

 

Logos:

 

There are many ways to say “I’m pregnant”—how will you phrase it in your letter?

 Mother, I have so bad news and I don’t want you to overreact, I’m pregnant.

 

 

Are there any disputed/unclear terms or facts that you will want to address in your letter?

The fact that the father has already moved on and dumped me last week for a hooters waitress.

 

 

Name one detail (from the summary or your invention) that you want to make sure is in the letter.

 That I have decided to keep the baby and raise him by yourself.

 

Name one thing you will purposefully, tactfully exclude.

 How it long ago it happen, where it happen, and the exact name of the father because the mother might

 

What exactly are you asking for?

 Help.

 

 

Ethos: (your character and credibility)

What side of your character do you want this audience to see?

 The brave, courageous, and bold personalities traits you uphold.

 

What will you do to get this persona across?

 Emphasis that your keep it and still going to school, and that you plan on working through it.

 

 
Each group should compose one letter. Either write the letter here, or write the name of the person who has the letter in his/her portfolio. Remember that you can go beyond the story outline, creating whatever details, names, etc. that will enrich your plea.

 

 Mother,

Unfortunately, I come barring terrible news. Recently my ex-boyfriend and I decided to have unprotected sex and I have now become pregnant. I know this may sound bad… but I plan on keeping the child because I believe it is the right thing to do. I am going to continue on the nursing path to my best ability and try to finish college with a degree. I already know what you’re going to say, so don’t. I know it’s a dumb, irresponsible, and idiotic choice and that your disappointed in me, but honestly, in a time such as this, I need your support and acceptance. I understand that it is asking a lot but I would be extremely nice to know someone else cared besides me.

 

 
Sources:
http://www.world-heart-federation.org/fileadmin/user_upload/children/documents/factsheets/Factsheet_Unhealthy_diet.pdf
Provides plenty of facts that can help support the risks of unhealthy eating.
Qoutes from source:
Unhealthy diets are linked to four of

the world’s top ten leading risk factors

causing death: high blood pressure, high

blood glucose, overweight and obesity

and high cholesterol.      

 
High consumption of saturated fat and

trans-fats is linked to heart disease, the

number one cause of death globally.

http://www.ncdalliance.org/node/42
Provides facts and percentages that can help enforce or influence the audience away from unhealthy eating.
Qoutes from source:
At least 2.6 million people each year die as a result of being overweight or obese.

Eating a healthy diet, increasing physical activity and avoiding tobacco use can prevent:
  • - 80% of premature heart disease,
  • - 80% of type 2 diabetes cases, and
  • - 40% of cancers.
 
 

Monday, February 11, 2013

Blog 7: 
Overview questions over Ms. Tamra Garstka SRC issues. 
In her essay Ms. Tamra Garstka brings to the public's attention an issue worth discussing when she argues that the way the SRC charges and arranges their deals is to expensive and unaffordable for any college student. I agree, that the expenses that follow when looking to do something other than lift, play basketball, or other racket sports. By including other classes along with the already offered activities it would allow the student to interact in many different types of activities. Some points of evidence that would be able to strengthen her argument would be some first-hand evidence such as interviews with physically active people in which you could ask their opinion on the matter. Along with firsthand interviews, proposing strong points by comparing benefits and downfalls of each idea would help the writer get their point across to the reader. In this particular paper the writer is reaching out to a wide group of people, anyone who has a physically active life and enjoys saving money. Therefore, reaching out to this massive group of people is an intelligent choice made by Ms. Garstka. In some ways the idea can appeal to the the audiences pathos. Moreover, this argument can appeal to their pathos by making their wallets happier and bodies happier with reasonable and fair deals. The writers ethos is questionable but she is a victim of the overpayment for classes. In which, makes her a firsthand victim who would be considered not an expert on the subject but someone with a experience with this issue.  I feel this is a decent proposal for our proposal assignment because it is an obtainable goal with an educated approach for a solution to the problem. Some things I would like to do differently such as: interviews, concrete evidence, and stronger compare and contrast between the two subjects. As stated early, the writer uses very basic information obtainable by anyone and firsthand experience with the issue to support her idea. This is not a bad approach but interview and comparisons could drastically improve this paper. Throughout this paper the author does many things very well and her point is clearly made in her writing. The ability to state an idea, access the problem, propose a solution, compare and contrast view points. These are all important factors of a proposal assignment  in which her essay encompasses all but a comparison which would have turned this B paper in a low A. Overall I feel this paper is well done and clear.
 

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Due to these new advancements in technology, it could eventually affect the work force of America. The lose of jobs may benefit production but not the economy or government when analyzing the long term effects. Some possible solutions to this very threatening problem are such: people man the robots to reduce malfunctions, constant making of these robots will require a large workforce, and maintaining such devices will also require a large workforce. So even though robots would take over a majority of the work, there are still others jobs that come along with these new advancements. Therefore, these new advancements may not be as detrimental as one may think. These solutions are all possible solutions to this new issue at hand but will still cause the lose of jobs. Also, if we could direct this new technology to making it easier and more efficient for the workers to do then they may not have to lose their jobs. Other solutions could be could be just not allowing it, direct our technology to other important things. This is an unethical approach but so is millions of people losing their jobs. Along with some of these thoughts, making the machines to where the have to be used by humans. Therefore, none of the workforce would be forced out of their jobs. Actually, when thinking deeply about if the machines are made to be directed by humans. other jobs would follow such as: maintaining, clean, fixing possible malfunctions, replace, installation, and the making of the machines. Ultimately, in some fields, could make life easier and lead to more jobs.
The unlikely future ahead of us (workers) due to advancements in technology is one that is intimidating to even think about. Soon robots will be able to complete the daily tasks we do at work and will ultimately take over the workforce. Some jobs that are affected by these new advancements in technology would be things such as mining, the medical field, and big time industries. One field that is affected but is ignored would be the medical field. Videos instruction have the potential to replace physical therapist, machines have the ability to replace surgeons, and could assist the elderly (even though that would be a little weird). This could lead to a fall in the economy because it could cause money to stop circulating which we all know is a terrible thing. Without any jobs for the people of America the government would have to eventually step in by aiding the unemployed, which would cause a problem in the government as well because as of right now, they are in debt 30 trillion dollars. These new advancements would be nice, as long everyone still has the ability to keep their job.