Rhetoric & Writing

1.  What do you think, currently, about the primary threshold concept for this project unit? What do you think it means? Have you thought about this concept before reading about it in our textbook? If so, in what terms, or in what way, have you thought about this idea?

Rhetoric is comprised of seven principles. These are used to explain how we interact with each other. The idea that "good" writing is dependent on writers, readers, situation, technology, and use is supported by these principles. I think this means that each individual defines what "good" writing is for themselves, according to their situation, technology, the use of the writing, and the readers. Before reading the text I did think that each person has different ideas about writing, but I also thought there was a general standard that a writer needed to meet in order to be "good".

2. Considering what you have read about rhetoric in the introduction to Chapter 4 and Doug Down's piece, "Rhetoric: Making Sense of Human Interaction and Meaning-Making." do you think that it is possible to escape rhetoric? Why or why not?

I do not think that it is possible to escape rhetoric. Since rhetoric explains how people interact with each other through language and other symbols, it must be a part of our every day lives. This can include saying good morning to a loved one in the morning, to sending an important email to a teacher or colleague. We are always interacting with other individuals or things and learning how to improve our interactions to make them successful.

3. Given how Downs describes rhetoric, do you think music and artistic works are rhetorical? Why?

Music and artistic work are rhetorical. Downs describes rhetoric saying, "Given that [rhetoric] is an operating system for human meaning-making and interaction, anytime we are making meaning and interacting-- otherwise known as "being human"-- we are using rhetoric" (page 460). Music and art are methods of interaction in the same way that speech and writing are. They are just a few of the methods of rhetoric that can be used. Music and art are a part of the average individuals everyday life and are great methods for conveying meaningful messages.

4. How does rhetoric fit in the life of a believer? How can a Christian use rhetoric in their walk of faith?

Rhetoric is important for believers because of the important interactions we have with non-believers as well as each other. With the important task of sharing God's love with others, it is necessary to use the different methods of interaction to engage with others. Within ones personal life, Christians (readers) can use rhetoric to interact with the writers—more specifically the writings, available such as the Bible and Ellen White. Through these writings believers can create new personal meanings to draw closer to Christ. 

5. Name one concept form this lesson that you most struggled to understand. What about this concept, term, or idea is troublesome? What do you currently think it means, whether you feel certain or not?

The concept that i struggled with the most was the principle of rhetorical interaction being embodied and material. I struggled with this because of the distinction between mindful knowledge and bodily knowledge. I think that this is differentiating what we would call our "gut" and what we know in our mind. Sometimes what individuals know defies what they believe based on their individual experiences.