My English 211C Class

Throughout my education experience all my English classes have typically been the same. We would learn maybe a few new things, but overall every English class was about the same. I could not say that my English 211C class falls in that category because we talked a lot about current issues. I was not really expecting us to talk about current issues as much as we did. At first it through me off because it was not what I was used to in an English class, but I grew to like talking about current issues. I learned how important it is to keep up with current issues because if I live in this world a lot of things that go on in the world can affect me. It was also different because we got a topic and that is the topic we conducted all our assignments
on throughout the entire semester. Usually I would have to do different assignments and they each would be about something different. Due to the assignments being on the same topic I found it easier to focus on my topic because I became so educated on my topic which was on campus sexual assault, it allowed me to focus more on my writing rather than relearning about a new topic that I may have had a day or two to learn about. When your educated about a topic you have more to say about it and a greater understanding which allows for more effective writing assignments.
On my English 211C journey I learned that I like learning about current issues, I became a much better writer, I learned how to effectively present an argument as well as find the middle ground for that argument, persuade readers to choose a certain side of that argument, and I also learned about a new way to layout an argument. The first assignment we did was an exploratory essay. This is where they just presented different viewpoints of this argument. This assignment was a little bit difficult because this is where I first begin really researching my topic and because I originally thought this paper required me to identify the different sides to the argument which requires more research. When I first laid it out I did different sides, but we only really needed the different viewpoints. The viewpoints were basically who was talking about the issue. This first assignment really helped me learn a lot about my topic because once I figured out the right way I needed to take I realized it was more of an assignment to help me lay out my research. The second assignment we did was a middle ground essay. The middle ground was difficult to me because I felt like I was more on one side of the argument and I believed in a way and I thought
that was the approach that needed to have been taken. Again, I was trying to take the wrong approach, I learned just because I am talking about the middle ground doesn’t mean that I must believe that is the correct way. After I got past that battle, the assignment became less difficult. This assignment was very vital though because sometimes the best way to fix a problem is to compromise. The fourth assignment was by far the most difficult, but it was very different from the others because it was not a paper. It required us to learn about a common way arguments are presented. This was the tolumin based argument, it had elements in it that I was familiar with, but some I was not familiar with. I previously learned about claims, warrants, rebuttals, reasoning, and support, but I had not learned about qualifiers. Although, I learned about the other factors and I quickly found out that I needed more practice with them which I got with this assignment. This assignment was also very difficult because I thought the article I choose was not in a tolumin based argument form and I thought it needed to be, but I found out that was okay. That was why we had the critique part within the assignment so we can talk about if the article was or was not a tolumin based argument. I did not start arguing for a side on my issue of sexual assault on campus until the fourth assignment. Although I was trying to do this the entire semester this assignment was difficult because after all my research it was hard for me to really choose a side. For me to really choose a side I had to conduct a little more research, but after that the assignment became easier. These assignments throughout this course were difficult at times because I did not have full understanding of them, but after I got past those obstacles they were not that bad.
I also made it difficult for myself because the entire semester I was trying to find sides and argue for a side, but most of the assignments did not require me to do that. I also learned the importance of asking questions as well as the use of the writing center. Without those factors this semester would have been very difficult, but due to the clarity they ensured me I was able to come out on top. I learned more about what works for me as a writer such as when I am conducting research and reading different articles it is helpful when I write down key things within the article. I learned that I do better with a paper when I do an outline then I write my rough draft on paper then I type it. I also learned a lot about life because it was all about current issues which I did not really keep up with until this class, but I regret not keeping up with them before this class. I find current issues very interesting and I like exploring the different viewpoints and why they believe that. I also learned that in life when someone does not agree with you it is good to still listen to their side although you may not agree because most of the time you guys can find something you can agree on then you can compromise. Compromising is very important in everything because everyone will not agree with everything you
say or do so the best way to fix that is by compromising. I feel like when we talked about current issues it was awkward so if I was the teacher I would require different persons to bring in different current issues for a day and it could count as a participation grade. Over all I enjoyed this class and I learned a great amount of stuff.