What I learned about my issue and about invention tonight?

So, I think I'm leaning more towards the composing process through digital media.
I think this topic is much broader, so I'll be able the question in a "Thesis" form.
THis is because the topic is less definite, and allows me some room to move around with it.
I'll possible be able to zero in on it within the coming weeks and decide if the topic needs either
a "theoretical" or "practical" approach.  As of now, I'm leaning more towards the theoretical approach.
This is because the question feels more like a question of knowledge, rather than a question of action....
Time to stop writing.

Lindemann and Crowley: Rhetorical Writing

Between the Lindemanm and Crowley articles, I’ve found a vast assortment of ideas toward the topic of rhetoric and writing. Both presented great ideas, and I’m sure to use them in my future argumentative paper. Much of this feels knew to me, but some feels familiar at the same time. I see some reoccurring themes between this class, and communications 103. I’m eager to have the ability to rhetorically persuade in my writing, rather than through my speech. Moving forward, I’ll first talk about Lindemann’s article and how she approached her topics.

 I noticed that Lindemann talked about:  prewriting techniques, brainstorming, free writing, journals, heuristics (Who? What? When? Where? How?), and models.  The author finds importance in brainstorming, whether it may be in the act of freewriting, asking questions, or imitating “noteworthy essays, aphorism, fables, speeches, and excerpts from works by great writers”(Lindemann 126).  Through freewriting, Lindemann wants the student to put the thought process on a sheet of paper in a nonjudgmental way. This will allow a student to practice writing and articulate thoughts that might be swimming around their brain. Clearly, Lindemann wants the student to fire up their brain before stating the final product.  Crowley comes at this with a different approach.

Sharon Crowley looks toward the past for writing in the future. She write that invention is, “…the division of rhetoric that investigates the possible means by which proofs can be discovered: it supplies speakers and writers with sets of instructions that help them find and compose proofs appropriate for any rhetorical situation”(Crowley 30). By this, Crowley wants the writer to think of ways to reach the audience, and much of this is done through asking the audience the right questions; also known as the “Stasis Theory”. With this theory Crowley tells us that it is crucial to implement a point of stasis in any rhetorical argument. By taking a stand, it allows the audience’s disagreements be known and hopefully rhetorically changed throughout the process. 

As far as similarities go, I see that the heuristic approach and the stasis theory both want the writer to ask questions during the composing process.  I’ve used the heuristic approach before, but never knew the terminology. Regardless, I plan on using both approaches for our upcoming paper.

What the Heck am I Going to Write About?

What I need to Do

I need to come up with a few topics for an argumentative research project for class.
Now, I'm not quite an arguing aficionado, but this paper will change a thing or two.

What I Will Do

Now, I'll lay out the three topics I've got in mind:

1. Is the digital method  for composing literature all that it's cracked up to be?
• As a future educator, and now knowing that this course embraces technology, I feel it would be interesting to formulate an argument and see if the technological process in the classroom is really progress at all. I hold no opinion on either side currently, but if I choose this topic, I'm sure that will change.
2. The use of rhetoric to influence others.
• I find the art of speech a fascinating subject. Just from our small class discussion, my mind was swirling while I thought about the greatest speakers and their ability to influence people. Whether it's Dr. MLK or the spooky Adolf Hitler, both had the ability to influence the masses.
3. What is the best way to formulate an Argument?
• This topic is still a little unformulated and falls along the lines of number 2, but I feel that there is still some insight to be gained here. Like I've said, I'm no guru in the realm of arguing--except with my mom-- but my paper could be about the building up of critical thought in terms of an argumentative paper.

How it is Going to Happen

Throughout the next couple of weeks, I'm sure these topics are subject to change. But it's
good to have a general idea of where I'm going with this thing. I still need to do
the reading for Thursday's class, so my thoughts and ideas will be different in the next
couple of hours, but that is OK. All three of these topics relate to English 445 because they fall in line for what is meant to be gained from this class. I want to be right, not wrong this will surely be the case in the coming weeks.