SLO 2: Literary, Rhetorical, & Linguistic Strategies
Literary Method Application in Analyzing and Authoring Texts
Before implementing literary methods into written texts at TAMUCC, I analyzed authors' literary methods to understand how these elements worked in theory. After study and professor instruction, I could effectively apply such practices to my own written material. I also took notes from textbooks and completed quizzes to show complete understanding of literary technique analysis before I incorporated such methods in my academic works. The methods I have learned the most about include: plot techniques such as pacing, scenery, and time manipulation; characterization techniques such as dialogue, descriptive imagery, and characters' interaction within and/or with the setting; and overall language techniques such as figurative language (metaphor, symbolism, irony, etc.) in relation to a piece's motif.
I incorporated these techniques within a variety of works. For example, I implemented the following literary methods to progress my 13-page fiction story in ENG 3302, Techniques of Creative Writing: heightened tension, effective and intriguing foreshadowing, and thorough characterization. To do this, I deliberately revised syntax and vocabulary choices to form more fitting language that subtly provided each guiding element in the story.
Furthermore, when crafting my long fiction piece in ENG 3362, Creative Writing Workshop, I applied appropriate pacing for the story's events, portrayed captivating characters in a succinct yet adequate way through dialogue and illustrative scenes, and infused tone and mood through stylistic literary elements such as word choice, syntax, and time manipulation techniques like flashback.
Rhetorical Method Application in Analyzing and Authoring Texts
Similarly, I had to learn about rhetorical methods in theory before I could implement them into practice. Throughout the semester, in ENG 3303, Introduction to Writing Studies, I completed readings--and, later, reading responses-- which elucidated necessary rhetorical considerations when authoring a document such as: audience fictionalization, the written piece's consideration of and interaction with the situation to which the piece responds, analysis and awareness of genre conventions and intersections, and choice of appropriate organizational elements like appearance, wording, and syntax in response to the situation's overall context.
In practice, I reflected reflected upon each of these rhetorical elements when writing my digital portfolios for ENG 3303 and ENG 4352 (Capstone in Writing Studies) and my printed portfolios for ENG 3302, 3364, 3362, and 4385. Application of these techniques ensured my message came across as intended and was targeted to the necessary audience(s): professors and/or online users and employers.
SLO 2 & "Mouthfuls of Metal" (Short Memoir)
When writing and revising this short memoir, I incorporated multiple literary techniques. By adding more literary techniques throughout the piece during revision, I expanded what was initially a 6-page retelling of events into a 14-page memoir. For instance, I created appropriate pacing using flashback and foreshadowing to progress my memoir events in an orderly and sensible way. I also focused on key events in my life to create an engaging plot; I used these choice plot events to introduce dynamic characters and represent my own changing characterization throughout the piece as well. I also ensured I adequately illustrated various settings to effectively orient the reader and inspire their connection with the metaphorical and literal sense of significance I placed on 'place.' Similarly, to include a wider variety of literary elements in revisions, I incorporated increased instances of metaphor, foreshadowing, and lyrical language to establish an overall motif.
When viewing the document, you will notice highlighted changes. These highlights indicate added and/or significantly altered material that further establishes: illustrative and sensory settings; extended metaphor and motif through word choice and cohesion; thorough and concrete characterization through metaphor, concrete descriptions, and dialogue; and time manipulation through flashback and foreshadowing. Each of these literary elements orient my audience within the piece and relay my motif and messages effectively.
SLO 2 & Capstone Career Portfolio 1 & SLO Portfolio 2
When writing my first digital portfolio for this capstone course, ENG 4352, I applied certain rhetorical elements by adhering to the conventions of rhetoric. So, I offer this entire portfolio--both the career portfolio and the SLO "Learning in Capstone" portfolio (https://ryoder.journoportfolio.com/) as exhibition of my understanding and application of rhetorical strategies to written text.
In creation of my first digital capstone portfolio (viewable through the tabs on the left side of the page: "Home," "Writing," and "Resume"), I fictionalized my audience, the technical and professional writing employment market in Waco, Texas, to: maintain appropriate language and explain soft skills and writing skills while defining terms and genres as necessary, effectively organize information through clear headings and bulleted text when necessary, ensure information accessibility through overall website appearance and term explanation, and incorporate audience-appropriate and knowledgeable language and explanatory skills through explanations of writing techniques regarding their relevance to the job market.
Additionally, I created that first portfolio with attention to detail, making information easy and quick for employers to access. To do this, I used concise and clear tab and site headings, bolded key words within explanations accordingly, used accessible yet educated language to discuss writing and my applications of different genres to the desired field (technical and professional writing), and offered a page for each genre that used the same format for overall organization and cohesion throughout the portfolio. On my home page, I also included linked text, offering my audience more more information relating to my publications, educational endeavors, and other accomplishments. Throughout my first portfolio, I echoed this idea and included multiple links to the same documents for employers' quick access to writing samples.
Furthermore, the portfolio you are currently viewing ("Learning in Capstone") also incorporates such rhetorical techniques as those above, including: audience fictionalization, mindful information organization, website appearance and accessibility, and elucidative use of English-major lexicon to exhibit learning in relation to knowledgeable terminology and language choices.
