Computer Writing and Research Lab | University of Texas at Austin

day-to-day activities

Naomi Wolf’s “Our Bodies, Our Souls” in RHE 309S

Normally, I shy away from talking about reproductive rights in the rhetoric classroom, even though I study reproductive rights discourse in my research. The reasons are several: first and foremost, I want to guard students’ privacy; second, it’s a topic I have fairly strong feelings about myself and I don’t want to get myself in an uncomfortable situation with students who feel differently; and third, I just don’t see many opportunities for stasis in the values-based, divisive discourse surrounding abortion.

A fun way to review terminology

So, being a lover of games (and one who is not a fan of lecturing) I came up with a great way to review terminology in rhetoric, specifically with respect to fallacies in arguments. It’s fun, it breaks up the monotony of the semester, it’s a great way to review terminology, it reinforces the lesson, and there is next to no prep time involved. This is a great alternative to a pop quiz or a way to give out bonus points. This could also work for reviewing the terminology of rhetorical devices.

visitor presentation gone mildly awry

Yesterday I had a speaker that I was really looking forward to--I had talked him to my kids quite a bit. At the last minute, he told me that he was having 2 undergrads gives the presentation instead.

How not to speak publicly

I haven't seen anything about this, but I'm curious to hear if anyone has used Miss South Carolina's response to her question during the Miss Teen USA pageant, shown here: