If I could take anything away from the learning experience this course has, it would be the impact on my writing ability and a deeper understanding of the concept of language. Through each phase, we have covered various forms of writing whether it be writing narratives, rhetorical analysis, or extensive research papers. Furthermore, I also learned to value cooperation with my peers which allowed me to improve upon certain aspects of my writing based on their assistance. Although I still believe my writing is far from being at the level, I would want it to be, I can wholeheartedly state that I have been able to strengthen it to a necessary degree after reviewing the core learning outcomes provided to us.

To start, the first outcome states we will learn how to “Examine how attitudes towards linguistic standards empower and oppress language users.” After thoroughly analyzing and discussing pieces of literature like Amy Tan’s “Mother Tongue” and Safwat Saleem’s TED Talk “Why I keep speaking up, even when people mock my accent” both course materials deeply impacted my language view. It also opened the door for my peers to share similar experiences and present their perspectives on how language affected them in different ways. As someone who speaks only English, I’ve never faced issues like the ones my peers have faced but it allowed me to put myself in their shoes and it opened my eyes to language politics.

  The next would be the Third outcome, “Develop strategies for reading, drafting, collaborating, revising, and editing”. The peer review and peer group work that would take place in class was a key component of the class that most significantly benefited me in attaining this course outcome. After receiving feedback from my fellow students, I revised the Rhetorical Analysis that was being evaluated. I was able to let go of my previous inhibitions to let others read my work as it was to my benefit. In addition, I felt that my ability to revise and edit increased with each phase and assignment that went by. Whether it was being able to remove fluff and get straight to the point, fixing grammatical errors, and improving the flow from source to explanations in my writing. Reading my professor’s feedback also allowed for more careful thought when drafting and editing my assignments.

One outcome I value the most was “Recognize and practice key rhetorical terms and strategies when engaged in writing situations.” There are so many different aspects to writing that I had not previously considered until attending this class. To be an effective writer you must be aware of certain factors such as intended audience, tone, rhetorical situation, purpose, etc. I felt phases 2 and 3 allowed me to hone those skills to convey precisely what arguments or stories I was telling my readers.

Another outcome would be “Compose texts that integrate a stance with appropriate sources, using strategies such as summary, analysis, synthesis, and argumentation.” I believe having a topic or basis for my writing is important but being able correctly to present my point or argument using these methods is vital. Not only does it help establish credibility by using appropriate sources to support my stance, but I can also now demonstrate to my readers that I have done the research and that my arguments are well-founded. It also helps to engage my readers. Using summary and synthesis in my Research essay helped me present a proficient and better argument that engages my readers and encourages them to think critically about the topic I discussed.

The last outcome that has impacted my writing and experience in this class is “Understand and use print and digital technologies to address a range of audiences.” This gave me free rein to be as creative as possible on Part 2 of the Rhetorical Analysis assignment and allowed me to convey my message using digital technologies. It taught me that Print and digital technologies allowed me to specify my message to specific audiences. For example, using a meme, I can connect easier with younger generations and media/tech-savvy individuals, which aided my argument greatly.

This class has been nothing but a learning experience that will shape my views on language and my writing and literary capabilities. I think I’ve essentially met the course’s objectives, and I want to keep these objectives in mind in the future.