#topic proposal

Hi guys! My name is Karla Suarez, I am twenty years old, I am a sophmore and this is currently my fourth semester here at UTEP. I love math and business so therefore I am majoring in accounting, and I hope to become a certified public accountant. I enjoy listening to music, reading, anything involving superheroes, watching romantic comedies and Disney movies, cooking and baking, as well as doing DIY projects. My taste in music is very broad but my guilty pleasure is anything from the 80s. From Bon Jovi, to Queen, to Wham! and Madonna, if you give me anything from that era and I will probably love it. Also a fair warning, if you see that many of my Tumblr posts this semester have a lot of Olaf images or gifs, then it’s probably because he is my favorite Disney character. 

My definition of rhetoric is a person’s ability to successfully and clearly portray a message either in writing or by speaking. To me a person with good rhetorical skills should be able to use ethos, logos, and pathos and other rhetorical devices in an orderly and creative manner to be able to communicate a message to others. The expectations I have of this course is to be able to learn how to use rhetorical devices more effectively to be able to become a better writer and speaker.

I've chosen to stick with my previous topic proposals on manipulation in the media, but in somewhat a different fashion. I chose to show how dense many people can be affected by certain aspects of what the media is shown to them, because of how much it is an affect on all of our lives. This topic was always fun and important to me which is why I am sticking to it. As for doing a poster or a video, I'm not too sure, but I am right now leaning towards a poster. I am willing to work with a group if anyone else is willing to work with me, and I would also be happy to change my topic around as much as possible if I indeed do work in a group.

A concise discussion of the subject.

The Hunger Games franchise has inspired much conversation about issues of social justice and social revolution. Teachers have used the text as a way of introducing political consciousness to their students, and young readers have identified with Katniss as a role model for hope and resilience in a dark and confusing world. I recently discovered that the three-finger salute used in the books and films as symbol of resistance has been co-opted by real world protestors, including demonstrations in Bangkok protesting a military regime and pro-democracy sit-ins in Hong Kong, both in 2014.

A clear statement of your intended focus.

I am curious about symbols, and how they contribute to the power of uprisings. In The Hunger Games, the three-finger salute and the Mockingjay become gestures and images of unity, as well as rebellion. In this paper, I will argue that symbols are metaphors that bridge difference. All rebellions face internal conflicts of ideals, agendas, and strategies. This is inevitable, as no matter how aligned in their primary objective members of a group may be, they are still different people: their backgrounds, identities, beliefs, ethics, hopes, fears, and experiences are multitudinous. Symbols, however, provide relief from the chaos of nuanced perspectives. They represent how members of a group are the same, and their use is an emotional projection of this sameness.

A rationale for choosing the topic.

I have always found symbols of social movements poignant, and sometimes frightening. From the raised fist to the swastika, the cohesive ideology performed by these symbols is affecting and momentous.

Mention of resources.

Natasha Woodruff

10-29-15

EN211

Argument Topic Proposal

                                            Argument Topic Proposal

           The topic that I am considering for my argument paper is that couples that live together before marriage end up having a more successful marriage in the long run. Some background information on the topic of living with someone to whom you are not married to is that it can be viewed as a taboo. Many religions disapprove of the notion of living with a person that you are not married to. This religious reason could be why some couples choose not to live together until they are married. Also in my research on the topic of couples who live together before they are married I have found much of the time it is very young couples, usually early to mid-20s, who will opt to move in together before marriage. I think that I will be able to add to this topic with my argument that it is beneficial for couples to live together before marriage. This topic is particularly relevant in our society and culture today as we as a nation have a staggering divorce rate and are more recently seen as a “hookup generation.” I think that by evaluating the effects of living together before marriage I will be able to shed light on a big social issue in our society today.

           My rhetorical situation as a writer and reader influenced have influenced my topic selection because this is a topic that I am interested in writing about and interested in learning more about. Due to this interest in the reading and writing aspect I think I will be better equipped and motived to compose this essay. The rhetorical situation of the text and the medium I don’t think will particularly affect me too much when it comes to writing my essay as I plan on being very clear and concise in my argument. Overall I think that my particular rhetorical situation, as an interested reader in the topic and someone who is curious and passionate about the topic, that will reflect in my essay and make my writing stronger and more engaging.

http://time.com/20386/how-shacking-up-before-marriage-affects-a-relationships-success/

http://www.yourtango.com/2012128381/5-reasons-you-should-live-together-getting-married

Natasha Woodruff

9-2-15

EN211

Research paper topic proposal

Effectiveness of abstinence programs