Core Value 1. My work demonstrates that I used a variety of social and interactive practices that involve recursive stages of exploration, discovery, conceptualization, and development.

In my work, I demonstrated the recursive stages of exploration, discovery, conceptualization, and development through my process of seeking and incorporating feedback on my short argument essays. After completing my initial definition essay draft, I reached out to my professor for feedback to ensure my ideas were communicated clearly and effectively. This feedback prompted further exploration of concepts like perfect pitch, which I had not fully defined. The process of discovery and clarification led me to refine my ideas, conceptualize them more clearly, and then revise my essay to include a more precise explanation. This cycle of receiving feedback, revisiting concepts, and refining my work allowed me to improve both the depth of my understanding and the clarity of my writing. By engaging in this interactive process, I demonstrated my commitment to growth and development.

Definition Rewrite – pineapple488

Core Value 2. My work demonstrates that I read critically, and that I placed texts into conversation with one another to create meaning by synthesizing ideas from various discourse communities. 

I met the goal of reading critically and synthesizing ideas from various discourse communities by engaging deeply with the texts I studied. In my essay on the importance of early music education, I integrated ideas from various sources, including music education scholars, neuroscientists, and developmental psychologists. For example, I combined Edwin Gordon’s theory of audiation with research on cognitive development and brain plasticity. This synthesis allowed me to draw connections between music theory, child development, and cognitive neuroscience to argue that early experiential music education fosters creativity. By weaving together research from multiple fields, I was able to create a cohesive and well-rounded argument that not only drew on different disciplines but also placed these ideas into meaningful conversation.

Research – pineapple488

Core Value 3. My work demonstrates that I rhetorically analyzed the purpose, audience, and contexts of my own writing and other texts and visual arguments.

In my visual rhetoric assignment, I demonstrated my ability to analyze the purpose, audience, and context of a public service announcement about buzzed driving. The video’s purpose was to highlight the dangers of driving under the influence, using the narrator’s perspective to make the issue personal and relatable. The audience, young adults, is specifically targeted, as they are more likely to engage in social drinking and driving. The setting transitions from carefree, sunlit moments to tense, darkened scenes in a bar, illustrating the shift in mood as the narrator becomes intoxicated. The use of symbolic imagery, such as the dandelion representing hope and the reverse footage symbolizing second chances, strengthens the video’s message. This rhetorical analysis helped me understand how visuals and narrative structure influence the audience’s perception of impaired driving.

Visual Rewrite – pineapple488

Core Value 4: My work demonstrates that I have met the expectations of academic writing by locating, evaluating, and incorporating illustrations and evidence to support my own ideas and interpretations.

I met this goal by rigorously locating, evaluating, and incorporating high-quality evidence to support my claims. For example, I used empirical studies on perfect pitch development and cognitive benefits of early music education to provide a solid foundation for my argument. The study by Diana Deutsch on absolute pitch and research by the Gordon Institute for Music Learning on audiation were critical to my discussion of how early exposure to music education enhances cognitive and musical development. I ensured that the sources I used were credible, relevant, and directly applicable to my argument, weaving this evidence seamlessly into my paper to reinforce the importance of experiential music education.

Bibliography – pineapple488

Core Value 5. My work demonstrates that I respect my ethical responsibility to represent complex ideas fairly and to the sources of my information with appropriate citation. 

In my work, I respected my ethical responsibility to represent complex ideas fairly and cite my sources appropriately. I ensured that each source I referenced, whether it was a direct quotation or paraphrased idea, was properly cited using APA formatting. I made sure to give credit to authors such as Edwin Gordon and Diana Deutsch, whose research informed my ideas on audiation and perfect pitch. Furthermore, I made a conscious effort to present opposing viewpoints, such as the value of music theory, with fairness and clarity, acknowledging their significance while making the case for an alternative approach based on experiential learning. This ethical consideration ensured my writing was both credible and respectful of the intellectual contributions of others.

Research – pineapple488