Further Discussion

For this class, we read a chapter that focused on Marketing and Advertising. We only had one week of discussion on this topic, and I feel we could have gone deeper on the subject. Marketing and Advertising is a very complex topic, I would know because I was majoring in this topic. There is a lot of potential to discuss critical thinking and logic skills, both as the consumer and the company. As a marketer, you are challenged by the company and the consumer to make ethical decisions. The subject of what is considered right and wrong in the marketing world definitely leaves space for discussion and arguments. Although it may sometimes be a personal decision, but when if the company requires it? The controversial topic of PhotoShopping could also be discussed because there are many different points of view people can stand from. Multiple arguments can be made and challenged through class discussion of this topic. I do not think Marketing and Advertising will have to be further discussed than this. I just think this subject is interesting and could be elaborated a little more.

These are a few of my favorite things...

My favorite thing about COMM 41 has been the ability to blog and, in a way, learn on my own. I have never taken an online class before because I was always hesitant to take one. I was afraid that I would forget about it or that the material will be difficult to learn without a teacher.
To my surprise, I loved the way I learn the material. I was very organized and straight-forward. Every week we would read a chapter or two, then blog about it the rest of the week. This pattern helped me from forgetting about the class, and allowed me to learn on my own pace. Blogging about a specific topic each week helped me explore and engage the subject more than I usually would. By the end of a week, I felt that I was fully informed and knowledgeable about the topic. Additionally, I was able to let my voice heard by other students anonymously which made it easier for me to say what I wanted to say without my identity being revealed. This class, although it was online, was the most interaction I have done between classmates because of this method.
My least favorite part about the class was the lack of structure when it came to group assignments. If it wasn't for my nagging ways, many of the group members would not have done their work correctly, on time, or at all. This can be improved by requiring students to check in with the professor where they are at with their group project personally. That way the students can keep up with the project, and the professor can see their progress.

Art of Arguing: What I Have Learned in Comm 41

Over the course of this semester I have learned so much about the art of arguing. I always knew how to present at argument during a discussion in a way that would convince them or to sound believable. I was unaware of how technical arguing can be. From deductive and inductive, to marketing strategies and hearsay, I learned about breaking down arguments and challenging them . I specifically learned to look into arguments presented around me. When being advertised to, informed on the news, being presented scientific facts, and many other interactions, I have developed the skills needed to evaluate and analyze the arguments made. When someone proposes an argument to me, I now go through a process so I can make a decision on whether or the argument is valid. I take in to account how they present it, where they are pulling there facts from (if there are any), and if their conclusion makes sense. This class has taught me to challenge my thoughts and to not be afraid of presenting my own opinion. I had always been afraid of giving my opinion on a controversial topic or issue because I was worried that my argument would not makes sense (leaving those with opposing views to question my judgement). Thankfully, I have adapted the skills to present and analyze arguments for everyday interactions, making me a much more improved critical thinker.