Last Week Discussion #3

One concept that I feel can use further discussion is the section on fallacies. I understand the general concepts of each one, however, I do think that there should have been more time and exercises spent on using and critiquing these fallacies. Moreover, I am not confident in defining each fallacy on my own. I would most likely need to look up the definition in order to recall what the term means. I feel like fallacies are essential in arguments because people typically use them, even if they do not realize that they are using them. Either way, fallacies make a person look foolish and people should have more practice in avoiding them. For instance, many people use the bad appeal to common belief or practice to convince someone to conform or to believe in a certain religion. If people do not realize that they are using these fallacies, they will continue to make unreasonable premises that often lead to invalid and weak conclusions.

Last Week Discussion #2

My favorite thing about this class was the fact that it was an online class. It was easy to fit in my schedule because I could write my assignments in school or at home. The accessibility of this class is very important for me because I have seven classes and I work. My least favorite thing about this class was the time frame for the posts such as waiting 12 hours between posts. It was difficult trying to figure out whether or not it has been 12 hours and if I could put up another post. However, I do understand the time frame is important because it gives people chances to comment earlier on in the week. Without the 12 hour gaps, people might put up all their posts last minute, leaving the comment portion to be delayed. This class can be improved by having the end period be Sunday 11:59pm rather than Saturday 11:59pm. Usually, this is the time period people think of when submitting assignments. Also, since most people go to school every day, the extra day on the weekend would help those people.

Last Week Discussion #1

I have learned that an argument is not as simple as I once thought it was. I never took into consideration how much effort and thought should be put into an argument. For instance, one must look for validity, strength, and whether or not the argument violates fallacies and appeal to emotion. Fallacies and appeal to emotion can weaken one’s argument and ultimately make the writer or speaker seem less credible because of the manipulation he or she may use for the audience to side with his or her argument. After taking this class, I have been able to strengthen my writing because my arguments have been more specific and more difficult to critique. I now understand that in order to get my point across, every word needs to count. Last, but not least, I have learned the importance of teamwork. Completing three different assignments with people I have never met was nerve wrecking. However, by reading the book on group communication, I have learned how to function effectively in a group such as setting group norms and making each member feel like they have an important role in the group process.