Self Evaluation

1        1)  My first college semester has flown by faster than I thought possible. This has been very true for my freshman English seminar class. Ms. Squillante taught English15s. English15s taught me many things such as more about the arts, rhetoric and how to become a better writer.

The arts are often thought only to be a popular subject among students at a school or university for the arts specifically. This class has taught me that belief is completely false. I learned that Penn State has a growing and prevalent art community. Examples are shown in the theatre, music and art departments. The Palmer museum showcases a lot of traditional and modern art; some that are even by Penn State students. Also, going to the Playhouse theatre to watch “In the Red and Brown Water” opened my eyes to the professional drama department they have here at PSU. Finally, the music department has been a huge part of the community because of the iconic Blue Band that plays at every home football game.

Rhetoric, which is the art of persuasion, was also taught this semester in English15s. I found this topic to be very helpful when it came to writing papers for this class. For example, rhetoric brought up the project of the visual analysis paper. The analysis was of how well an advertisement worked with the following appeals: ethos, pathos and logos.

Lastly, I have learned how to become a better writer. Ms. Squillante taught me to be more concise with my writing. The reason is because all the extra words to describe something or explain something can come off both confusing and too wordy. Another way I have become a better writer is through peer reviews. Peer reviews gave me a chance to have a second opinion on my paper before I turned it in. Also, to help me understand if I was following the format I was suppose to achieve for that specific paper.

Overall, English15s was a great class to have as a new student at Penn State. I truly enjoyed the class and everything that I learned from. I now know more aspects of Penn State that I didn’t think there were. The arts affect all aspects of the world even a university know for their big ten sports teams. Finally, I will remember that I can follow a new thought I have and see where it takes me to make my dreams come true.

2) http://silverisbetterthangoldd.blogspot.com/2012/11/in-brown-and-red-water.html#comment-form

    http://bittyjade.blogspot.com/2012/10/were-going-streaking-will-farrell-one.html

    http://theartsynittanylion.blogspot.com/2012/10/a-different-form-of-higher-education.html

    http://artsfortheheart.blogspot.com/2012/09/a-day-at-arboretum-walking-to-arboretum.html

    http://ifartcouldtalk101.blogspot.com/2012/11/normal-0-false-false-false-en-us-ja-x.html

    http://allisonmazzola.blogspot.com/2012/12/artscultural-response-bruce-springsteen.html

    http://liddycoddington.blogspot.com/2012/10/old-school-new-audience.html 

   http://takingonsociety.blogspot.com/2012/10/movie-review-social-network.html

   http://ideasoninspiration.blogspot.com/2012/10/artscultural-response-lecture-with.html

   http://kirktasker.blogspot.com/2012/12/assignment-5-in-red-and-brown-water.html?showComment=1355536693496

3) SRTEs are complete!(:

About the Arts: Photography

There are many different types of art throughout the world and culture. Art can be applied to most cultural phenomena in the world. I have learned that art isn’t just defined as paintings and music. One type of art I want to talk about is photography.

Photography is a way to express feelings, actions and words with the click of a button. What I love about photography is that anyone can take a photo and have a different outlook on what it means to them. The whole side behind composing a photograph is an art in itself.

The trip we took to the arboretum in class was a great opportunity to explore the art of photography. I found that nature is a great tool in the world of photography. A photo of a sunset, sunrise or flowers can evoke many feelings from the viewer. It can also bring someone back to a memory of different time in his or her life.

Art can be expressed in many forms. Often the arts are the first department to go during cuts. I think that the arts are very important to society. Also, that art such as photography brings out the creative side in individuals. Creativity helps people be more in touch with themselves and others.

“Beauty can be seen in all things, seeing and composing the beauty what separates the snapshot from the photograph.” – Matt Hardy 

Arts/Cultural Response: Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band

On November 1^st I was able to attend my first Bruce Springsteen concert. The Bryce Jordan Center showcased the Boss on a Thursday night. I went to the show with my dad who is a huge fan of Bruce Springsteen. This was my dad’s second time seeing Springsteen live.

The Bryce Jordan Center was filled with thousands of tons of all different ages. The arena felt like a giant party or a mini Thon. You could feel and hear the emotions of the audience. The stage was in the center and had jumbo screens for fans at the top of the arena to see Bruce from all angles.

Springsteen gave many anecdotes from life in New Jersey. The E Street Band rocked the BJC with classic hits such as “Jungleland”, “Born to run” and “Born in the USA.” The band and Springsteen always kept the audience’s attention and desire for more.

Being my first at one of his performances I thought he was amazing. I would definitely see him perform again. The reason was because he was such a powerful perfomer and you coould tell that he loves the music he makes and loves his fans. I feel that I was able to connect more with my dad and also to an older generation of music. The wrecking ball tour was a tour I will never forget.