Monday, December 12, 2011
Journal#9
I had a very positive experience in English 15S. I came into this class with the goal of furthering myself as a writer for my future experiences in the literature and writing department. The course did more for me than what I expected of it. I not only bettered myself as a writer but redefined how I think about art. I rarely ever paused to think about how all around us are beautiful things we take for granted every day. Just walking back from Irvings I enjoyed the sights of the beautiful campus that I would have passed off as boring and obsolete. The subjects we studied that had to do with Penn State were enjoyable because I could relate to them. It made it a much more enjoyable experience as we talked about subjects that I had an interest in. I gained a better flow in my overall writing. My writing used to be very choppy and staggered where now I have more confidence people will enjoy the overall flow of my papers. The piece we did on the Penn State podcast really stands out in my mind. Listening to the account of the campus from another person’s point of view was very interesting. Hearing all the different signs and tales of that one night on campus actually made me chuckle. I experience all the same things but with a different take. Some of the stats the podcast used were staggering and really opened my eyes up to Penn State as a whole campus and University. I learned more about the arts in this class than I have in my entire life. I had always struggled coming up with my own definition of art. I had trouble understanding everything that the word art encompassed. Now I have a clear understanding of everything that art is and have gained a new appreciation for art. I also gained a greater skill in the field of revising people’s papers. Before I would be hesitant on whether to tell someone to make a change here or there because of my lack of confidence. With the help of your class I have gained confidence in my writing abilities. The last research paper really had a large impact on me. I didn’t have an idea of what I was going to write about for our last paper for so long. I was frustrated with the topic being art, seeing as how I am not usually very appreciative of the arts. I thought about what I was going to write about forever until I looked at your suggestions. I noticed one of them was something called Fallingwater. I had no idea what this was or how it related to art. After hours of research and becoming familiar with the amazing house I was enticed. I actually enjoyed researching Fallingwater because I came to understand how wonderful it was. This class most of all helped me in the fact that it made me step outside my comfort zone. Not one part of this class was something that I felt comfortable doing but this is a good thing. Now in the future I will have had experience in this type of work and am very grateful for it, thank you very much!
Sunday, December 11, 2011
2nd reading
Ms. Sheila Squillante’s reading was my favorite part of the class. It was awesome to be able to hear our teachers work told by herself. It made me appreciate the knowledge that you are instilling in us while validating your merit in the literary world. Your self-portrait story was very interesting in which you incorporated the use of symbolizing the rollercoaster to your life. It really made me have an understanding of the hardships you deal with in life while also realizing there are many positives you live through. Your poem about the color green reminded me of when we had a writing assignment to do the same thing my senior year of high school. I remember thinking for hours about what to write and having trouble coming up with material. Listening to your poem showed me how through innovation you can turn anything into a beautiful piece of literature. Your letter poem that had to deal with aliens showed me something that I had never heard of before. I thought it was beautiful how the piece functions as a poem and a letter. The difficulty creating a piece of that nature shows how creative you are. The piece itself shows the skill that you possess as well as a gift in words. I was blown away with how impressed I was of you as a writer. I believe you create pieces that are smart, as well as providing a message that is hidden within your works. Your writing is fluent and flawless. My favorite poem of yours is definitely the dream poem you created. I thought it was great how you took such a random series of events and tied them together in one story. My favorite part was the randomness involved while you were walking down the road. You were in a cul-de-sac, but not any ordinary cul-de-sac, at the end of this one was a massive temple. The dream also included such random things as a boy on a man sized tricycle, people practicing yoga, and a humidifier. This poem appealed to me so much because of how random it was. It stirred my emotions in a humorous way. I actually chuckled at some parts because I thought of them in a realistic manner. What if these things actually happened to you? If you were actually walking down a road to be greeted by a massive random temple, how would you feel? Would you be scarred or are you adventurous and would want to venture inside? This poem makes you think and visualize what you are hearing. Each person’s interpretation of the dream is unique. One person may have an idea or a visual image of something in the poem, while another person has the opposite picture or feelings. Thank you very much for gracing us with your work. I found it to be very interesting and am grateful for the opportunity to hear your words. I hope continue your success and believe that the sky is the limit for you!
Qarrtsiluni pieces
The photo by Elizabeth Switaj is very unique. The contrast of colors makes for a very interesting piece. There are bright shades of gold and green while the backdrop is a dark wall. It seems very dirty and grim around the people being depicted. The people themselves seem to be from a Japanese heritage. The gold trinket suspended above the people seems to be the focal point. It appears to be made of gold or bronze which stands out from the meek colors that surround the piece. The photo creates a sense of beauty while also incorporating the theme of darkness.
Adrian Thompson’s photo of the interior of Notre dame is breathtaking. The cathedral is known for its beauty and attention to detail. The cathedral fully takes advantage of excessive lighting to illuminate the entire building. Shadows are cast off the ominous archways to create a medieval vibe. The center of the picture contains a large window compromised of stained glass set high in the cathedral. The size and beauty of the glass fits perfectly with the theme of the cathedral. Chandeliers hang giving off a soft warm glow on the hard stone walls. The picture is explained by the bystander’s expressions on their faces. Each one is either standing in awe or quickly snapping multiple pictures to document the sight.
This is personally my favorite photo that I have seen on this site. The picture seems to hold my attention with its eeriness. The use of sepia shrouds the picture in a creepy tone. It makes me think of times that have passed. This is exactly the type of scene you see in horror movies and ghost stories. The trees seem open up a lane for the wooden cross to stand. The rock and cross seem to be the only things breaking the monotony of the forest that encloses it. The picture is a sad one, but one that I take as a peaceful end. A quiet end in a beautiful surrounding.
http://qarrtsiluni.com/page/3/ Odds and Ends
This poem raises the universal and forever sought question of religion. Joseph Harker takes a more personal approach to religion. I think his take on religion is very unique. He focuses on why put emphasis in our religion on small things. He talks about how we interest ourselves in such minute things as the luck we adhere to when the year a penny is compared to when you were born. He makes it seem like such acts are futile and useless. He doesn’t believe significance comes from objects that are so small and ordinary. The piece opened my mind up to my thoughts on religion and how I personally feel. I was very impressed with the message of the poem and how the poem was composed. The use of two lines then a gap emphasizes each line and places more importance on them.
http://qarrtsiluni.com/page/5/ The peace movement
M.G. Stephens seems to be giving advice in this wonderful poem he wrote. The poem is trying to send a message of what you should make a habit in your life. Such good things as be kind and ask how others are. It tells you to take time out of your day for what he deems as important. Stop to look at the stars and moon, take in everything around you. The poem tells you to read for at least two hours every day and to write down random thoughts or ideas. It then tells you to love yourself and others; to take care and be well. The poem gives a light air to the thought of making this world a better place. The piece is saying these steps will help to improve our life on earth. The poem outlines how to be a good samaritan. I enjoyed reading this poem and interpreting the message within. The poem also uses soft words to put a positive connotation on all the suggestions.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Scandal U
As a first year student at Penn State I will be honest, I am not all Ho ha Joe Pa like everyone else seems to be. I highly appreciate everything he has done for the school and all the positives that have occurred because of him. That being said I actually believe the penalty was well deserved. I believe Jon Stewart actually did a great job of driving the point home. As everyone was very upset with the firing of the coach, it is almost disgusting how the victims were forgotten. I hated how Joe Pa became the scapegoat for the whole scandal while others were forgotten. Joe Pa caught so much heat only because of how prominent he is in the nation. Everyone knows who Joe Paterno is. Everyone knows who Penn state is. It was a university full of prestige and wonder. Now it seems like Penn State is a place which has a huge dark cloud hovering over top. It seems like this storm is going to be here for a long time so get your raincoat and umbrella.
There is something that has been on my chest since this scandal started and now for the first time I am writing it down. In a way, I feel wronged. I did not sign up to attend scandal University. I signed up to attend what used to be debatably the greatest university in the nation. Before I could wear my Penn State hoody and sweats with pride beaming through me. You could almost feel an aura about you that just emanated from your being. Now I think three times before I throw on my state gear. I’m not even sure if I want to stay here anymore. For the rest of my life, I will be asked where I attended school. If I stay for four years, I will say Pennsylvania state university. No matter who I tell that too, in the back of their mind they will think of “the scandal”. Most of the time it will probably be followed up by, “O yeah didn’t Joe Pa rape that kid?” I don’t want to live my life hearing this. I want to speak of a university and the person to give me respect. I want to be able to be proud of my university. I believe anyone that remotely knew of any info of sandusky’s actions should be cut from the university.
I am not even sure how the students could have rioted. I thought the act was disgusting and could not believe the stories that were pouring into my phone. “Dude a van just got flipped”. That text from my friend stunned me. A man sexually abused children, many authority figures at the university learn of the actions, almost nothing is said or done. And a van is flipped because the people that did it got what they deserved? Disgraceful.
As sad as I am from this scandal I am still unsure about everything
We are Penn state, but is that a good thing?
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Dear Incoming Freshman,
Get ready to have the time of your life. This is one of the greatest institutions in the entire world. Pennsylvania State University is a thriving community filled with artistic value and self-expression which is held in the highest regard. Everywhere you go, the community surprises you time and time again with the relationship between the people who occupy this campus. Art is in abundance, just look around. You will see gorgeous buildings, a stunning landscape, and so much more. You will share an experience with many people who are just like you. When again in your life will you be able to share this experience with so many people within four years of your age. The experience you will undoubtedly love here is what I deem to be the purest form of art. The sheer enjoyment you will have here is art in itself. I believe art is anything that produces emotion and/or involves some form of skill.
The first thing many people think of when they hear Penn State is partying. They think, “Oh, those drink hard and are wild”. Now that may define some people, but if that is why you’re coming here, stop thinking that now. Yes we like to have fun on the weekends a bit, and some may look down on that but school comes first. Everyone here had to have achieved supreme academic success, and must carry that forward. I believe that is actually art. The art of balancing school work and fun. To perfectly balance these two things takes skill and experience and is viewed differently by people. Some people think it is ok to have too much fun and forget about the important things and why they come to school. You come to school to gain an education, that is a main stressing point on any campus. To have fun, one must work hard and achieve gains academically. If you do poorly in the classroom, you will not have a good time and will be overwhelmed with the high academic level you are held accountable for here.
Once you get a chance to walk around this campus, keep your senses open to all aspects of different atmosphere this campus has to offer. Take a walk down East College at two in the afternoon and you will notice people hustling and bustling about, going about daily chores or going to class to learn. Next, walk down East College at two in the morning. It is even livelier than in the afternoon. People walking, talking, having a great time, maybe grabbing a bite to eat after the activities of the night. This to me reflects art. I believe this is art because it evokes different emotions in people. Some people are disgusted in the way people conduct themselves at this time of night. They believe kids should not be this loud or rambunctious at this time of day. Some people love the energy that is shown on the campus at this time. The loud noises and innumerous amounts of people create an atmosphere that is full of art. It includes sounds, sights, and smells that you probably won’t be able to experience with as much frequency anywhere else. And there is where I see art. Just stop and soak up all the stimuli that are presenting themselves towards you. Think of how art is shown everywhere around you.
Not only the atmosphere at two in the morning is emotion provoking, but the actual landscape and architecture of the campus is. Take a walk down Shortlidge, past the Science building, and notice the beauty of the area. The red bricks below your feet, the beautiful kept grass raised on platforms which you can sit on and read a nice book, all of it is captivating. Then look off in the distance as you put your book down. Realize you are in one of the most beautiful places in the world. Take in the mountains in the far distance, covered to the top with trees and a beautiful lush green color. That is Mother Nature’s art right there. Then notice the Science building that you passed. Notice the massiveness of the structure and how much beautiful glass was put into the construction of this building.. The building is one of art, and beauty. It is art in the fact that it catches your eye in many ways. You see all the glass window panes shining, reflecting the sunlight with almost a greenish blue hue to it. You notice that the structure dominates the landscape with the size of it. Art is all around you here, you just have to open your eyes and look.
Take a trip down here on a Saturday game day and you will not believe what you are a part of. The college expands to one of the largest cities in Pennsylvania to root for a team that is full of tradition. The sheer masses of people will astonish you. Art is all around you on game days. So much emotion and commotion is packed into this large campus. People are shouting before the game walking up. Numerous amounts of people, every single one of them dressed in that beautiful Nittany blue and white. Then as you walk towards the stadium the size of it takes your breath away. Once you get into the stadium, you look around and see so many people having a single-minded approach. A Nittany Lions win. The kickoff is just about to happen. Not a single person is sitting down, everyone is screaming at the top of your lungs. You turn to your friend who is trying to tell you about how great it is to be here. But his attempts are futile, you can only attempt to lip read what his inaudible words are. During one point of the game you pause to just take it all in, 110,000 fans in a sea of blue and white. It is one of the most beautiful spectacles you will ever be a part of. This experience and what you see is art.
Penn State is rooted deep in tradition which is upheld by all. It is almost to the point where if you are part of Penn State it is a cult. Art as iv explained is everywhere you go. It is part of your everyday experience here. From the beautiful buildings to the magnificent sculpture of the Nittany lion that everyone pays their respects to. Art is deeply rooted in every aspect of Penn State. So take my word for it or not, you won’t fully appreciate all this university has to offer until you come here. I’m a Nittany lion and am very proud to say it. GO STATE!
Nick Conroy
1. What is the thesis of the essay? What are the stated criteria the author is using to create the category of "art" or "artistic community?" The orchids are a prime piece of art on campus and the podcast was downright disgusting with how it portrayed penn state. The criteria he uses is that of art invokes emotion and serves a unique purpose.
2. Who is the intended audience? Can you tell easily? Parents of incoming freshman. Yes3. What appeals are at work in the essay? Are they appropriate for this audience? Be specific in your answer and suggest better/different appeals where necessary. All appeals are at work in the essay including pathos logos and ethos. Yes they are because his essay is very professional with great diction which would appeal to a parent questioning the prestige of the University. The only thing is he uses the word brainwash in the last paragraph. The podcast did not completely tear apart Penn state and actually offered many positives to the University.
4. Are the best examples being used to support the criteria stated in the thesis? If not, can you suggest others? Yes the best examples are used.
5. Has the essay anticipated the values and needs of the audience sufficiently? Has the author done the work of addressing any possible rebuttal issues or questions the audience might have? Yes this is where I believe his essay strives, he covers all the bases of the podcast and art at the University.
6. If the essay is taking on the question of re-definition at the institutional level, has the NPR podcast been utilzed well enough? Has the rhetorical situation in general and the exigence in particular--why THIS argument at THIS time--been made explicit in the essay? Yes the podcast is the main point. He methodically introduces point after point of the podcast and refutes with detailed reasons why he is doing so.
7. Is the sentence-level writing clear and concise? Is the organization coherent? Does the introduction engage and provide context? Does the conclusion remind us of main point and point us toward something new? The sentence level is astounding; I honestly wish I could write like he does. The conclusion is perfect and does a great job pointing towards something new which is hoping that parents have a clear mind when they consider Penn State.
Paper written by Chris Bizzell
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