Final Reflection on Composition

Composition by definition is: the art of putting words and sentences together in accordance with the rules of grammar and rhetoric. That to me is what composition is – an art. Composition is the art of putting words together to engage the reader and persuade them to take your side on a given topic. In this class, I have learned one of the ways to do this successfully is to write in a way that appeals to the reader’s logos, ethos or pathos. These words were not new to me, but until I took this class, I had never understood the meaning behind them. They play a huge role when writing a persuasive paper. The Toulmin argument, however, was something new I learned this semester. This will make me a better writer because it gives me a great guide to follow to ensure that my argument is well established and backed up with evidence to support it.

I find it interesting to view language as that which separates us from becoming cannibals. The Bygott article posed the question “The implication was obvious and, for many, terrifying. If chimpanzees, our closest living relatives, carry the genetic code for cannibalism, surely humans must too?” Terrifying indeed! While it is true that humans are, by nature, selfish and all about self-preservation, I will never accept the idea that we are all capable of eating another human being. In the reading by James Miles refers to language as being a “double-edged sword” when he writes, “It might be language that allows us to be loved, but language also causes grief when that love is lost”. I have the quote highlighted because it really spoke to me. The one feeling in the world that can make us feel euphoric can in an instant bring you to your knees. Language is what makes us human.

This class has changed the way I thought about teaching Composition. Honestly, I had never really given it much thought; I just figured I would go into the classroom and teach it the way it has been taught for years. My students will thank Kevin for giving me some great examples of what not to do when teaching it in my classroom. First of all, I will do as Lanham suggests and make composition fun. I will teach the students there is more to an essay than just the making sure they get the five paragraph formula. I want them to have a positive feeling about writing; I want them to enjoy writing. I want them to know there is a purpose for writing. The students need to learn early in their writing education that the more expressive and thought out your choice of words is, the more interesting their paper will be and the more enjoyment they will get out of writing it. A.J.’s presentation on incorporating “juice” into your class to get them to find their voice was great. The quote from his paper, “If there’s no personality in your writing, it’s dead. If it’s not your personality, you’re dead. Bang, bang” is so true. Even Lanham suggests students find their voices in writing. No one wants to read or write a paper that bores them to tears!

Technology is another strategy I will incorporate into teaching composition in my classroom. I loved Kamerin’s presentation on letting the students make a PowerPoint to demonstrate their understanding of poetry. I cannot wait to try that with my students. I am actually hoping I can try it during my student teaching. Who knows, maybe I can teach my mentor teacher a new trick or two that she can use with her students in future years. I feel this class has prepared me for anything in the world of writing. Blogging is something I want to incorporate into my class as well. I feel blogging gives the student an outlet with which to write without having to necessarily having to worry about form. I want to give them a way to write that enhances their ability to communicate by letting their thoughts flow freely from their brains to their fingertips and on to the screen. I found myself writing whatever came to my mind in our blogs this semester. I know we usually have a topic to discuss, but I find it easier to discuss something if I am not given any strict instruction as to how I compose it.

This class has given me tools I will definitely use in my classroom as I begin my teraching journey. I have enjoyed this class.