Public Space

The public space I plan to analyze is Fuzzy's Taco Shop. I chose Fuzzy's because it is close to campus and because I know people from TCU go there a lot. I also chose Fuzzy's because it is not a huge chain, there are only a few locations, which make it unique and "local". I plan to go on Thursday around lunch time, Friday or Saturday afternoon/night, and possibly again Sunday morning. This way I can see the different types of crowds on different days and at different times. I have only been to Fuzzy's a few times, but I still have some ideas about it. For example, I think it is popular hang out by TCU students. I think it is a pretty laid back atmosphere. I expect to discover why students like to go there (the food? the drinks? the atmosphere? the convenience?) I also expect to discover how specifically this location tries to identify with the community it serves. I also expect to discover what arguments Fuzzy's is trying to make. 

My favorite places...

There are a lot of places around the community of TCU that I would consider unique or some of my favorite places. For example, I think that Fuzzy's Tacos would be one of my favorite places because it is a local hang out that is recognized by almost everyone at TCU. A lot of people go hang out there and it is really close to campus, also it is not a chain (that I know of) so I think this is a good place in the TCU community. Also that aardvark is some place unique to the TCU community. It is the local music venue and because I really like going to concerts, this is especially one of my favorites. I think this would be a good example of some place that is within the TCU community and unique. The stockyards would be another local attraction. This is some place that is unique to the TCU/Fort Worth area that I think is cool because of the history and attractions. This is some place that is cool and that you can't see any where else in the world. I think that with all the old buildings and brick roads, this is a really cool part of the TCU/Fort Worth community. 

Rhetorical Appeal

For my example of a rhetorical appeal, I chose to use a commercial for the fast food restaurant Sonic (link at the bottom of this blog). This commercial pathos and logos. Because the commercial give you factual information, like the name of the product it is promoting and what exactly that product is (double meat, double cheese, etc.) it is using logos. This commercial is using pathos because it incorporates humor. By making people laugh, it appeals to their emotions and creates positive feelings towards the product and/or company selling it. I think this commercial does a good job using logos by incorporating the information in their conversation. The pathos is obvious through their humor. I also think the people in the commercial seem like normal people I could probably relate to, this could be considered ethos, since the guys seem likable and they don't seem like they have bad motives for promoting the product. 

Here is the link:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMVcvCOD7OM

Chapter 1

While reading chapter one, there were a lot of ideas that were new to me. One major thing that was new and surprising was the book's definition of an argument. I had always thought of an argument as two sides with different opinions trying to determine which is correct. The book, however, defines an argument very specifically, and even lists several different kinds of arguments. I know that not all arguments are exactly the same, but I have always thought there was only one kind of argument. I learned that there are a lot of different kinds of arguments. There are invitational arguments, Rogerian arguments, arguments to inform, convince, explore, make decisions, meditate/pray, arguments about the future, the past and the present, arguments of fact, and those of definition, and evaluation. All of these specific classifications of arguments are very new to me. Another thing I found interesting while reading chapter one is the book's distinction between argument and persuasion. I had always thought they meant the same thing. According to the book, however, one argues to discover truth and persuades to take action when the truth is already know. Another idea that is new to me from chapter one is that idea that an argument is not a negative thing. In my mind, an argument means you are trying to determine who is the winner and who is the loser/ who is right and who is wrong. I have always thought of an argument as a negative thing because when I think of an argument, it means the parties involved are not getting along. However, a Rogerian argument is when people work together to reach a compromise. 

Another thing I found interesting from chapter one is the relationship between the writer and the readers, and how the intended audience can influence the arguments the author makes. I knew that facts, ethics and emotions were involved in arguments, but I had not thought about them as under the titles of "pathos" "ethos" and "logos."In some ways I still do not completely accept the idea that EVERYTHING is an argument. I am having some trouble understanding and agreeing with that idea. I do not see how everything could be an argument. For example, the book says that street signs are an argument to inform, however I think they are just serving their purpose, and informing. I don't see how that is an argument. 

First Post: About Me

My name is Elizabeth (Ellie) Spencer and I am from Houston, Texas. This is my second year at TCU and I am currently a communication major.
I am taking this class because it is required, however I expect to learn a lot from this course. I expect to learn how to make more clear and persuasive arguments in my writing, as well as improving my writing in general. Most of the writing I do is text messaging. I also write a lot of e-mails, facebook posts, and messsages on post-it notes (mainly for my roommates). I like writing. I have always enjoyed writing because it is a way to express your thoughts or feelings. I see it as an opportunity to convey my opinion or viewpoint on anything at any time.
I belong to several different communities. The most obvious would be the university, but also I am a member of my residence hall, each one of my classes could be considered a community in which I am a member, I am on the TCU cheerleading squad and would consider that a community. I am from Houston (specifically West University). All of these things impact my identity in different ways. I go to TCU, which is part of who I am, and has changed who I am through the people I have met here. Also, being part of the cheerleading squad is a huge part of who I am since it takes up a great deal of my time and has determined the people I spend the majority of my time with.
I think that by choosing colors that are similar to those on the example page, I am making a safe choice, which could be an argument that I am not a huge risk taker. I think that by answering the questions and fulfilling the requirements in the same order as they were presented on the assignment page could be an argument that I am organized. I think that these arguments make me as an author seem to the point.
I have read and agree to the terms addressed in the syllabus. :)
http://elliesblogengl20803.blogspot.com