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.
Throughout this course my writing went through multiple drafts, feedback cycles, and collaborative discussions. At the beginning, I struggled with categorizing my posts, making it difficult for my instructor to locate and review my work. After clear instruction, I placed assignments, such as the Rebuttal Rewrite and Visual Rewrite into the appropriate categories. I then returned to my Rebuttal Rewrite, and by using Professor’s feedback I strengthened my argument, refined my points, fixed my flaws, and highlighted the limitations of AI detection methods. These recursive revisions demonstrated that writing is not a one-step activity but rather a repetitive, social process supported by peers, instructors, and self-reflection. Ultimately, this process transformed rough drafts into more coherent, polished pieces that better conveyed my ideas.

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. 
Assignments like the Research Paper and Annotated Bibliography enhanced my critical reading and analysis skills. Instead of passively accepting authors’ arguments, I learned to question their claims, identify hidden assumptions, and consider their work within broader academic and public findings. For example, while researching AI-generated misinformation, deep fakes, and dark money, I synthesized diverse perspectives—from legal precedents such as Citizens United to technical analyses of deep face detection methods and ethical considerations about responsible AI use. Integrating and comparing these sources clarified complex arguments, revealed patterns, and provided a stronger foundation for my stance. This critical engagement with texts allowed me to craft arguments that were well-informed and thoughtfully contextualized with very limited flaws.

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.
Working within various academic genres required me to consider audience and purpose carefully. The Definition Argument asked me to clarify concepts like AI-generated misinformation for a potentially skeptical audience, while the Visual Rewrite required translating subtle visual elements into a coherent narrative. In the Causal Argument, I had to consider how different readers—concerned citizens, policymakers, or fellow students—would respond to the implications of deep fakes and unregulated political spending. Each assignment demanded adjustments in tone, organization, and evidence selection. By deliberately thinking about audience expectations and the contexts surrounding my arguments, I produced texts more likely to inform, persuade, and engage readers.

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. Developing my Annotated bibliography and Research paper greatly improved my information literacy skills. I learned to find credible sources—well-reviewed articles, Supreme Court decisions, and interdisciplinary studies—and then assess their relevance and reliability. Incorporating this evidence required correct citation formats, consistent phrasing, and clear attribution. By grounding my claims about AI-generated misinformation, deepfake technology, and socio-political issues using reputable studies, I boosted my argument’s credibility. This evidence-based approach helped me understand the larger academic and cultural findings. Over time, I improved in interpreting data, weighing opposite viewpoints, and presenting nuanced and informed arguments that met academic standards.

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. 
Respecting intellectual property and representing complex issues were very important to my writing. I credited authors properly in assignments like the Research Paper. When exploring challenging topics, such as how AI-generated disinformation affects democratic processes, I aimed to show multiple sides without misrepresenting or oversimplifying them. Interacting honestly with sources, avoiding manipulative rhetoric, and acknowledging my argument’s limitations solidified my commitment to ethical integrity. Although me and Professor had a concerning encounter regarding the honesty of my work, I was able to prove my innocence through my resilience. By upholding these values, I maintained academic integrity and earned reader trust.