Project 3 Reflection: Unique

                Project 3 was without a doubt the project that I felt most comfortable finishing. I would say that my best aspects of the project were producing the audio file into a viable podcast, and linking my thesis statement at the beginning to my closing argument. Even though Audacity is a poorly designed piece of software, I was able to work my way around the kinks and even edit some of the sound I imported.

           On the other hand, I found a challenge in the interview questions. I knew I had to ask them in a fashion that would contribute to my cause because a general question would allow the interviewee to go off on a tangent. So for instance, I interviewed Brandon Penton and instead of simply asking him what he thought about the smoking ban, I asked if he thought it was a battle of freedom or the danger of tobacco. It took me a while to come up with that approach so I definitely struggled with it.
           
           One thing I learned is that no matter how new a task may be to me or how difficult it is, the most effective way to solve any problem is asking logical questions. Logic was my guardian angel through the trials I faced and I committed to utilizing it early on.
          
            I do not know how many future experiences I will have using recording software but this assignment offered new techniques to use in my writing. The script format is very helpful to me and I plan to use it when drafting my papers. I understand that not every piece I write will be a script, but the technique is very methodical and provides visual support for the flow of the paper.

 I wholeheartedly believe I created a strong, fundamental argument. Although my thesis does not project a particularly abstract idea, it does reveal the true problem in the smoking ban. Its simplicity is the driving force behind it. I find that behind all the specifics involved in issues like these, the best answer is usually the most basic, logical one.

           When I am not occupied with writing for school, I love to write on my political blog, Paine’s Apprentices (referring to Thomas Paine). Because the content of this paper and the typical items I write on the blog are more or less connected, there are lessons to apply to the latter. Like I said before, my belief in the power of broad ideas has been reignited and I actually came across a few new ideas for the blog. For one final thought, I gained some valuable work experience using Audacity which I can apply to the film production area of my job.

Script Draft: Smoking Ban 2013

Cue: Musical Intro

Audio Host: “Hello this is Ryan Rash here bringing you the scoop on ASU news. Well folks, times are changing around these parts. As I am sure you are all aware, ASU recently released a statement saying that starting on the first of August of next year, it will be a completely tobacco-free campus. In an e-mail sent to all students that attend the school, the background information reads quote, “The initiative [was] spearheaded by students and supported by the University Staff Council and the faculty Academic Senate” unquote. The university also created a new website regarding everything about the change of policy, including official regulations, “tobacco zone” maps and even tips on how to quit smoking. In addition, if all this information was not sufficient, they produced a video that is about two minutes long to provide visual support for the new ban.

Cue: Sound byte from ASU video

Audio Host: To me, the video was the most effective in explaining that the reason the ban is being instituted is to reduce the effects of second-hand smoke on students who do not use tobacco. The initial e-mail and the website are more designed to educate us students about what is actually going to happen.

Cue: Musical break

Okay so now that everyone knows what the ban is all about, it is becoming hotly debated. ASU is trying to protect non-smokers, smokers want to keep smoking, plain and simple. Personally, I do not see this as an issue of tobacco. The university obviously has a motive of being a safe environment and doing good deeds to improve their reputation, but I see the opposing argument as a condition of freedom. ASU’s current rules are in tune with federal regulations so tightening the grip on those rules is an unnecessary act.

Cue: Transition to student interview

Narrator: As easy as it would be too spew personal opinions on this ban, the fact remains that it effects 70,000+ students that attend the university. Around campus, there are dozens of popular places to sit down and take a drag so I figure one of these smoking areas will serve as a solid place to find various opinions on the sanction. First off, there is no way to dispute the danger of tobacco usage. Study after study shows that cancer and cigarettes essentially go hand in hand. Okay, I am exaggerating a bit but it truly is not that irrational of a statement. Like I said before, the way my questions will be asked will be shaped towards the concept of freedom. The goal is to find out if this law attacks our basic freedoms and if yes, is it a necessary sacrifice? Well let’s see what the people think.

Cue: Separate musical transition that leads into a field interview

Narrator: Welcome to the beautiful Arizona State University campus where I am here standing with (interviewee name) and we are ready to talk ‘2013 Smoking Ban’!

Questions to ask:

·         Do you think the ban is in the best interest of the students of this school?

·         How will it affect you personally?

·         Do you have any suggestions for perhaps a possible compromise on the ban?

·         Do you see the ban as an infringement of basic freedom?

·         The university is trying to reduce second hand smoke so do you think there is a way to isolate the smokers more instead of banning it so both parties are attended too?

Cue: Musical transition back into narration

Narrator: There you have it, the people have spoken. It is now evident that students are concerned about (x, y and z.) The simple question of whether this is good or bad depends on the answers outlined by the public such as in any democracy.

ASU Reacts: The 2013 Smoking Ban

Cue: Musical Intro

Audio Host: “Hello this is Ryan Rash here bringing you the scoop on ASU news. Well folks, times are changing around these parts. As I am sure you are all aware, ASU recently released a statement saying that starting on the first of August of next year, it will be a completely tobacco-free campus. In an e-mail sent to all students that attend the school, the background information reads quote, “The initiative [was] spearheaded by students and supported by the University Staff Council and the faculty Academic Senate” unquote. The university also created a new website regarding everything about the change of policy, including official regulations, “tobacco zone” maps and even tips on how to quit smoking. In addition, if all this information was not sufficient, they produced a video that is about two minutes long to provide visual support for the new ban.

Cue: Sound byte from ASU video

Audio Host: To me, the video was the most effective in explaining that the reason the ban is being instituted is to reduce the effects of second-hand smoke on students who do not use tobacco. The initial e-mail and the website are more designed to educate us students about what is actually going to happen.

Cue: Musical break

Okay so now that everyone knows what the ban is all about, it is becoming hotly debated. ASU is trying to protect non-smokers, smokers want to keep smoking, plain and simple. Personally, I do not see this as an issue of tobacco. The university obviously has a motive of being a safe environment and doing good deeds to improve their reputation, but I see the opposing argument as a condition of freedom. ASU’s current rules are in tune with federal regulations so tightening the grip on those rules is an unnecessary act.

Genre Analysis: Morning Edition

     "Let Mitt Be Mitt" http://www.npr.org/player/v2/mediaPlayer.html?action=1&t=1&islist=false&id=164732654&m=164767070
     An audio essay is a unique and somewhat new form of literature. The approach to utilize this genre requires a different technique than any other essay. For instance, in writing form, tone can be manipulated by the way a sentence is put together but with audible sound, it is necessary to make sure the actual tone of voice is appropriate. An additional myriad of aspects effect the genre of audio essays.
     A script is the most basic component but it must be well done for the audio to to sound good. If the script is lacking in any way, it will be exposed once the words becomke audible. A certain level of creativity is required for a good script because it serves as a blueprint for the finished product. Everything from cut placement to plot flow has to be considered.
     Not everyone will have sound proof rooms and high quality mics so being efficient with the technology available becomes a priority. To make a regarded podcast, one does not need these expensive pieces of equipment but a frugal mind and a sense of critical thinking are more than enough to make up for financial woes.
     Upon listening to any podcast, the most resounding impact on the audience lies in their impression of the talent, or the narrator. If the narrator is likeable, upbeat and natural, the listener will appreciate what the have to say and relate. On the contrary, if the voice is dragging or condescending, etc. the response will not be favorable. The key to mastering tone is audience awareness. A podcaster has to be adaptive to a flexible audience demographic.
     Because the art of audio literature is so fresh, new experiences are occuring that are changing the landscape of the genre. The concept of an ideal audio essay is still in the process of being understood and the only way to get closer to that is trying new things. Above all the aforementioned components, intuition to new audio ideas will benefit the genre as a whole.

Project 2 Reflection: Improvement

     Our second project in English 101 came with many challenges but also many improvements. Through every step of the process, my goal was to improve on my abysmal performance on the first paper. The professor's comments on my paper revealed to me that I had a crucial weakness in my writing which was stating a clear thesis that clearly defines my position on the topic. On this project, I feel that my thesis states my opinion and leaves no doubt to what I will be writing about in the rest of the paper.
     On the contrary, a wrench or two worked their way into my plans. As I wrote my initial draft, I chose to write 3 annotations so I could use a more focused approach and get a feel for what it would take to write a quality annotation. As it turned out, this put me at a disadvantage because I was unable to use information to build off of when writing my final draft.
     Now that I am a somewhat seasoned college student, I find that it is strategic to view everything as a learning experience. From this project, I learned the importance of having evidence to back up claims. Research is a crucial aspect of literature and for research work to be respected there has to be factual, supporting information. From now on, I will remember to think every time I make a claim if I have enough to prove it.
     I feel that if I can be optimistic about anything on my essay, it is the strength of my evaluation. It was indeed simple, merely stating that being forced to live in dorms has a negative effect on students. I decided on three criteria to determine whether my thesis was applicable and then explained why they proved my theory. I tried to use the most basic process possible to make sure I was not neglecting the point of my essay in light of some more flashy techniques.
     Without question, the experience has real world implications. Off the top of my noggin, I immediately see how it applies to something as normal as a friendly argument. Now, it would be easy to use common knowledge or assumptions to back up your argument but it is much more effective to use descriptive criteria for why the opinion could me more correct. Obviously, this is just one anecdote but the uses for being factual are limitless.
     I can only hope that my dedication to staying true to what was assigned will pay off in the grade book. If anything, I know inside my heart that I am back on track to what good writing entails.

Map of Adelphi Commons II

View Evaluative Research: Dorm Living in a larger map

Works Cited

"Future Residents." Arizona State University, n.d. Web. 17 Oct. 2012.< http://housing.asu.edu/content/future-residents>.

Pike, Gary R. "The Differential Effects of On- and Off-Campus Living Arrangements on Students’ Openness to Diversity*." Journal of Student Affairs Research and Practice 46.4 (2009): n. pag. Print.

Rozakis, Laurie, Ph.D. "Movin' In." The Complete Idiot's Guide to College Survival. N.p.: Marie Butler Knight, 2001. N. pag. Print.



The Gates to Adelphi

[Source: asu.edu]

 



     The first day a new, anxious college student walks up to his dorm facility holds with it a flurry of emotion and excitement. The thought of the unknown swirling within with no way to know what to truly expect daunts them. This is exactly the student that Laurie Rozakis had in mind when writing "The Complete Idiot's Guide to College Survival". The book is a great reference for nervous college students but the relevant subject to my research is the repeated mentions of getting used to the change of dorm life/being ready for disaster. This is fascinating because the very book geared towards collegiate success discusses the possibility of a nightmare roommate and what to do if a student hates their dorm (Rozakis Chapter 3).
     With this book and countless other pieces attacking the stereotypical dormitory, a bad reputation surrounds the dorm culture. Upon further evaluation though, it is hard to disagree. The very fact that the university has to force students into their dorms is a testament to how unliked they are. Obviously, when someone is in an unfavorable situation, it is expected that their performance goes down. Considering dorms are not a place of work or place of learning, the happiness of a student is more likely to decrease than their productivity. Even though there are advantages to being a student resident, there are many students who would simply be happier in different housing.



Adelphi's Back Alley

     The pathway behind Adelphi holds a lot of mystery in its appearance. During the day, it is a beautiful, subtropical landscape that has the look of a possible scene out of a romantic movie. As night falls though, it is a dimly lit alley that looks like it could be the location of some violent crime. In fact, just a few weeks ago, around midnight, a flurry of police activity in the area arose, including a helicopter. The event turned out to be an armed robbery a mere block away from my building. Locations with occurrences like this can be found across the entire city of Tempe, including the campus area. No matter what is done to protect the students by putting them in dorms, there will always be danger in some way or another.

 

[Source: Ryan Rash]

 

          Even though it would have made the work a lot easier, an isolated incident would not suffice to decide if dorms are unsafe or not. At Adelphi II, the dorm buildings are separated into sections called 'clusters'. I decided to ask ten students from the very northwest cluster (P) a question about their social life. First off, considering that ASU has a fully anti-alcohol campus, I am sure they would label partying with alcohol as a danger to their safety. I asked the unnamed students how many days they drank alcohol last week and 6 out of 10 students told me that they had consumed alcohol more than once in the previous week, not including the weekend.

      Because there are so many opportunities to party and be mischievous in a college town, there is no way that endorsing the use of dorms can truly keep the students safe. Simply put, a kid is going to go out if he wants to go out.

Synopsis

      Arizona State University is a great school. I have known that since my sister attended years ago and I saw her grow academically and as a person. However, in those days, I was too young to understand the logistics that go into the college experience. A new college student goes through a huge transition of change that they can never be truly prepared for, especially if they happen to live in a dorm. Additionally, colleges across the country, specifically ASU, claim to create an environment that eases that transition. They use phrases like "best interest of student" or "building a sense of community" to justify policies that force students into sometimes unwilling circumstances. This is a foggy situation because when one body (school) decides what is best for another body (student), the best answer gets lost in translation, so to speak. A university where dorm life is a requirement for first year students has a negative effect on those students.
     To know if there is any truth to the seemingly good intentions of Arizona State University, it was necessary to conduct some brief research to find out exactly why the school forces the dorm life on its students and found three criteria to evaluate. It is apparent that the overall safety of residents, building a strong, lasting community and affordability of all college related costs are the distinct aspects of life that are connected with dorm living.
     Repeatedly throughout the network of pages on their website, ASU makes references to the importance of keeping students safe. More importantly, they consider dormitories to increase the level of safety because of supervision by peers. This is an obvious ploy to prevent or decrease dangerous behaviors like drinking alcohol and drug usage which brings the discussion to the effectiveness of that plan. With a reputation for one of the best party schools in the country, it is easy to see how shedding that rep is a top priority. The question still remains if it works or not though. By simply asking ten random peers in my community, I found that it is not completely effective.
     Establishing a community of connected peers is absolutely the criterion that I found to be most productive in my study. This collection is not the first to investigate how dorms change the college experience, whether it be positive or harmful. There is an article that approaches the relationship between dorm life and students' ability to deal with the idea of diversity. The results, although unable to be applied expansively, showed that students who live in dorms become more open to diversity. That being said, I do not think it is as successful as the school would like it to be. Much of that evaluation is based on the community within Adelphi Commons II.
     If you were to ask the average family what they considered to be the number one criteria for picking a college, I would be willing to bet that their answer would touch on money/affordability. It is simply impossible for families, excluding the wealthy, to overlook cost. In contrast, there is such a thing called cost effectiveness, or "getting bang for your buck". Tuition wise, ASU has a very low price when compared to other public universities so they do have some leverage in using the dorm requirement policy. On the other hand, there is more that goes into the total cost of attending a university like the cost of a dorm. Upon my examination, the amount necessary to live at a dorm such as Adelphi Commons II is purely exorbitant when compared to the cost of other comparable housing options in Tempe.
     It is evident in breaking down these criteria that there are statements here and there that oppose my thesis. Some may perceive that as a weakness in my argument, but I believe that exposing the opposition to an argument makes it stronger. In all the supposed weakness, there is a clear conclusion from my findings. Forcing incoming students to either live at home and drive or live in a dorm is not in their best interest. I would not go as far to say that it is an abuse of power but it is certainly a result of a collegiate agenda gone wrong.

The Less-Than-Glamorous Living

     When it comes to college, affordability is a major priority for everyone; to some, it may be the top priority. It costs $6,098 a school year to live in Adelphi Commons II, utilities included. I understand that it is difficult to put in perspective, so when the cost is averaged monthly (roughly 8 months in school), the cost is $750 a month. At a glance, this price is actually very comparable to some of the 2 bedroom apartments (only apartments that had utilities included were considered) in the area. However, it is easy to see that the dorm is twice as expensive because both residents of a dorm have to pay the $750 monthly due, instead of splitting it as they would in an apartment. This simple price comparison explains how the university is essentially naming their own price because they are able to require students to live on their facilities.

 

 [Source: Ryan Rash]
         

     Universities are known for their desire to increase profit, such as any business would, but this, in no way results in a profit for students. Cost of dorm living has a big effect on students and they are almost entirely negative. By my evaluation, there is no way that ASU can force a certain price point on students and say it is in those kids best interest. That very act negates any attempt to help us as students.
     I am not blind to the reasons ASU does this, including safety, sense of community, etc. but I do get the sense that they are overlooking the financial interests of their students to better their own. Bottom line, nothing is visible that would suggest campus living could benefit me financially.

A Community of Strangers

     On ASU's official website, there is a page dedicated to informing prospective students of what they can expect going into their freshman years. The page includes details about housing that outline an experience of a "close-knit culture" and "creative connections" that result from living in dorms that house students with similar majors (ASU.edu). First of all, from personal experience, I can assure that in Adelphi II, the community is not close-knit and creative connections are not being made. I am not saying I have not made friends because that would be a lie, but I am saying that when my peers and I are in our dorms, we are usually working on homework or sleeping.
      A study was done at "a major research university in the Midwest" on how dorms effect students openness to diversity (Pike 284).The results showed that dorm life does help students more become accepting of diverse situations. While these findings seemingly provide a compelling counter-argument against my thesis, this was only conducted at one school so the theory is limited. First off, 73% of the participants in the study were female, and only 8 percent were in a minority group. So, as it may suggest a positive outcome, the variables did not allow for clean research. It exposes students to a fresh environment and challenges students to grow as people, but there is a catch. That justification for personal growth does not apply to forcing students into it. Community exists everywhere and it does not have to be limited to campus-sanctioned locations.

[Source: Ryan Rash]

 



 





Annotated Map Draft

     Upon clicking "click here to view as larger map", you will be able to see the introduction to what the map entails.

View Evaluative Research: Dorm Living in a larger map

Works Cited

"Future Residents." Arizona State University, n.d. Web. 17 Oct. 2012. <http://housing.asu.edu/content/future-residents>.

Pike, Gary R. "The Differential Effects of On- and Off-Campus Living Arrangements on Students’ Openness to Diversity*." Journal of Student Affairs Research and Practice 46.4 (2009): n. pag. Print.

Rozakis, Laurie, Ph.D. "Movin' In." The Complete Idiot's Guide to College Survival. N.p.: Marie Butler Knight, 2001. N. pag. Print.

Research Sources: Dorm Living

     It is in the policy of Arizona State University to require all incoming students to live in the dorms. Some are able to live at home but they must apply for an exception whether it be for financial reasons or anything else, and ASU then decides their residential fate. Obviously, this is their policy because they believe it is in the best interest of the students to live in an environment patrolled by university-employed individuals. I want to look deeper into the situation to see if the evidence affirms or disavows their claim.
<br>
     Coming into this school year, along with all the stress of applying for college, my living situation was at the top of my list of priorities. Although I had some prior knowledge of their policies, I was disappointed to learn that besides (the possibility of) living at home, which was not on the table for me, dorm life was my only choice. The honest reason being that I feared that the horror stories of dorm situations going wrong would become my reality. As I am a typical rebellious teen, I was motivated to search for any loopholes in the system, but found non that made sense.
<br>
     As a close friend and I grew closer to our time in higher education, we consistently discussed living in an apartment near campus instead of a dorm. Among many others, we found a viable option that would be less expensive than paying for the dorm that I am currently in, Adelphi Commons II (A2). Popular apartment complexes like The Vue and Sonoran Ridge Apartments offer 2 bedroom/ 2 bathroom setups that are a little less than half the price of A2 when considering the fact that the price is split between two individuals instead of the same for both residents. I was pretty upset to find this because the fact that ASU is able to charge double the average price of living in the area is a travesty. More goes into the best interest of a student than money though so I plan to investigate the actual benefits and setbacks of dorm life.
<br>
     To see if living in the dorms creates the best possible environment for first year students, it is important to understand what determines that. Other than financial reasons, there are many areas of grey when it comes to finding out if the university is playing fair. I concluded that the best approach is to examine the benefits listed on ASU's collection of residential pages on their website. Immediately, I found that they place a lot of importance on building relationships. Students living in the same dorm will generally be in the same general field of study and ASU believes that this will create long-lasting relationships throughout their careers of choice. Another justification for the requirements is the safety of the student so I will most definitely look into that.
<br>
     I think that the three areas of concern outlined above provide a good start for my research and will lead to more ideas on how to really discover if living in dorms at ASU is the optimal choice.
<br>
<br>
     "The Complete Idiot's Guide to College Survival" by Laurie Rozakis, Ph.D. (Part 1: Movin' In)
This book provides a mix of input from thriving college students and analysis from Rozakis who uses her expertise in book writing to create a tool for all expecting college students to succeed in school. Part 1 of the book discusses everything involving living on campus from Greek life to choosing the right dorm. I was interested  in the book because the title loosely applied to my topic, but upon reading the first couple of pages, I saw that it had specific details regarding my topic. The first section goes into detail about the right choices to make in college and how those choices effect you.
<br>
     "The Differential Effects of On- and Off-Campus Living Arrangements on Students’ Openness to Diversity" by Gary R. Pike (Conclusion)
This article analyzes how living on campus can directly effect students' openness to diversity, just as the title reads. The conclusion reveals that the study conducted found that living in dorms increases students' acceptance of diverse societies. It provides a benchmark of the opposite side of my argument to compare to what I am arguing for. It shows me that I need to remember that there are two sides to every argument and I have to keep opposing points in mind when arguing my point.
<br>
     "Future Residents" 
This is an internal page on ASU's website that addresses many of the questions that potential dorm residents may have. I was interested in this source because it supplie sinformation straight from the horse's mouth. It adds authenticity to my research. All of the information on the page is optimistic and explains how campus living will attribute to a successful tenure at ASU.

Evaluation: Lawless

   In late August of this year, the movie Lawless was released in theatres. Tom Hardy, Shia LeBouf, Gary Oldman and company star in a true story filled with wild moonshine runs, desperation, and determination. During prohibition, bootlegging alcohol was a highly profitable business venture. In Lawless, Forrest Bondurant(Hardy) develops an efficient moonshining network, which in fact, becomes so well-known that the local authorites are forced to resort to the big guns, aka Charley Rakes. Guy Pearce plays an equally confident and brutal role as a government investigator with a very clear intention - take Forrest Bondurant and his miscreant brothers away from this town, dead or alive...
   It has become routine for me now to assess a movie as I'm watching it to try and discover what the director is developing. This was very easy during Lawless because of how thoroughly the brotherhood of the Bondurants was portrayed. The bond of the three brothers is without a doubt the driving force behind the film, as they persevere through countless attacks by Rakes' goons and emerge victorious against all odds. Take away the plot events and you still have a strong enough display of brotherly love for a decent movie in its self.
   Obviously director John Hillcoat elected to include a plot though, which truly allows his film to soar. He brings the brothers business from carefree and flourishing through trials of unimaginable grit all to come down to a final stand against the infamous Charley Rakes. Hillcoat's take on western-turned-gangster is wonderfully fresh and gained my approval.
   Above all, this film was entertaining. In the world of movie critics, it is too easy to simply say you enjoyed it because it was entertaining but I think that is because the true definition of entertainment has been smeared by simple-minded movies. Lawless succeeded on a deep enough level to pass my tests of plot and driving force so I consider it a very well done movie.

Project 1 Reflection: Absolution

     Now that this tedious process of analysis is over and done with, it is time to talk about what ensued. A good amount of thought went in to my paper because I wanted to make sure that I stayed away from generic approaches. The process of observation was probably what contributed the most to my cause, because it allowed for a real breakthrough in my writing. After much wasted time looking at obvious details and specific objects within the area, I finally realized that to sufficiently separate my work from the traffic, I had to refer to what is not exactly accessible to actual sight. In the end, all this lead to a very inspired, thoughtful end product.
     Do not let my gloating deceit you though, as the process offered far more challenges than breakthroughs. Before I decided on my approach, I was lost. I was too overwhelmed and intimidated to look past the workload and focus on writing a great essay. Also, regarding the workload, it was not the "4-5 pages" aspect that scared me as much as it was how important the results of the observation notes were. I strayed from myself as I became meticulous in making sure every thought was perfect. The primary reason for all of this, when it came down to it, was being unaware of what is necessary to write a solid, college essay.
     I am extremely anxious to see what grade my work received because I feel like I took a lot away from this productive learning process. I can only hope that what I have written is to par with the expectations I hope to reach. Without a doubt, my analysis was deeper than any other similar piece I have written. My only fear is that this level of abstract thought will be difficult for a reader to connect with. Symbolism is a large part of my paper and sometimes, I find that the average reader does not want to have to look past what is concrete and easy to understand. I achieved my goal though and that is all that matters.
     Lastly, more can be taken from this than academic knowledge, and I plan on applying it to many other things. The next time I get in an argument/debate, I will be able to utilize a completely fresh attack by simply taking all the specific details of something out of the equation and looking at it for what it is on a basic level. When something happens that I could have no way of knowing why it did, I can now look at the very simple, raw factors and conclude a motive. Above all, this is just an expansion of my mind's repertoire, whether it be in school or anything else.

Analyzing a Place Worksheet

Project #1 Worksheet                                                          

 

Your Place: ___Barrett Honors College__­_

 

What are the intended functions of the place?                      

            Barrett is ASU’s reward for students who saw remarkable academic achievement in high school. Everything about it is superior to any other dorm. Each student is given their own room which is shared with a suitemate. The dining hall is employed with “culinary artists” that supply a great variety and quality meals. The architecture is completely unique in relation to the other dorms. The list goes on and on and each luxurious feature contributes to the intended function of rewarding ASU’s warriors of academia.

 

What overt messages does the place send (i.e., openly communicated through signs)?

            The exterior of Barrett is eccentric. With its Hogwarts-esque reputation and towering presence, it exudes confidence. On the contrary, the dormitory halls are serene; not a sound to be heard, and rooms specialized for a perfect study environment litter the floors.

 

What covert messages does the place send (i.e., hidden messages)?

            With so much mystique and wonder surrounding the facility, it’s hard to pick up the white noise that I’m looking for. The one thing my head keeps coming back to is balance. Going back to my reference of the difference in the tone given off by the exterior and interior, I feel like this dorm emits a suggestion of balance. This suggestion begs for your recognition.

 

Have previous users left traces behind in the place?

            The facilities are named after Craig and Barbara Barrett, who provided a twelve million dollar endowment to ASU. In return, ASU named their honors school after them. Barbara received her doctorate from ASU and they are both involved in the Thunderbird Global Business program headquartered in Glendale.

 

Has the place been re-appropriated (i.e., beyond its original functions)?

            The extent of my research did not offer anything that would lead me to believe Barrett has served any other purpose/s in its existence. I am forced to assume that it has always been ASU’s academic flagship program.

 

What social or cultural customs did you observe (i.e., rules governing appropriate behavior)?

            There is an overwhelming custom of modesty here. Everything is done in moderation. Even the various groups of students smoking hookah tobacco keep the noise down to make sure that they don’t distract or annoy anyone in their vicinity. Inside the residence halls, everyone honors the assigned quiet hours and the few rooms I’ve been inside have always been tidy.

 

Who has access to the place?  Are there insiders and outsiders?

            Technically, everyone has access to the general area inside the walls because the walkway called “Paseo del Saber” is completely open and leads to the field that I’ve been examining. A Sun Card assigned to a Barrett resident is required to get into the residence halls though.

 

Who owns the place?

            Arizona State University.

 

What is the place’s value (i.e., monetary or otherwise)?

            The cost to build the actual buildings is unbeknownst to me, but I’m sure it is seven figures. Other than providing a home for students, it’s hard to tell what other sentimental value it has. I would think it differs between each individual.

 

Are there official representations of the place (i.e., online, in promotional materials)?  Do they accurately capture the place as you experienced it?

            The website does a wonderful job of informing a prospective student/parent of every aspect of the Barrett experience. From the facility to the faculty, the site that lies within ASU’s all-encompassing webpage is a great reference for any graduating high school senior. The only feature it fails to entail is the design and some less factual, more abstract information like the minute details I have been scouring for.

 

Is the place in transition, a changing place?

            In no way, shape or form is this a place in a phase of shift. Barrett is solid in a literal and symbolic meaning of the word. In unison with the five story fortress walls, the gates leading in to the castle are surprisingly heavy.

 

What conflicts or tensions are there in the place?

            There is absolutely no tension here. It is a completely calm, passive habitat.

 

What is the place’s history?  Do you see evidence of the past there in the present?

            The origin roots back to the substantial endowment fund given to ASU by the Barrett’s. Evidence of this origin lies in a grey, marble slab that reads ‘Craig and Barbara Barrett Honors College’ in the field adjacent to the dining hall.

 

How does this place differentiate itself from other places?  What other places is it similar to, but how is it different from those places?

            The most obvious answer to me is it’s superiority over the other dorms on campus. I realize that I’ve touched on that multiple times but it is simply resounding. It’s presence is a living deity in its self.

 

What questions do you have about your place?
             If I'm not being entirely off base, haven't I asked myself enough questions? That is, in addition to the questions that you've asked me...

 

 Key Features / Profiles (taken from the Norton Field Guide (Goggin and Bullock) Chapter 16, pages 165-166)

 

An interesting subject.  What is unusual about your place?  Alternatively, is there something ordinary about it that you can show in an intriguing way?

            To be honest, this is a question that I’m going to have to think about on a different level, which will require more time. Without question, I will include this thought process as a part of my completed draft.

 

Any necessary background.  What background information will you need to include about the place in order to situate readers?

            A good amount of the above questions caused me to do some in-depth research and I plan on applying that data to my examinations when they are poignant.

 

An interesting angle.  Rather than trying to tell readers everything about the place, what angle(s) might you use?

            I’m considering using Mark Twain’s method of micro-level detail, but in addition, using raw, infantile depictions do create contrast in my writing.

A firsthand account.  Did you interact with people in the place or participate in some way?  What experiences did you have there that you can write about using “I”?  (Yes, first person point of view is encouraged, especially for this paper.)

            I did not interact with anyone (interviews, activities,etc.), but I did look at the things going on around me and imagine how I would feel if I was a part of them.

 

Engaging details.  What specific information must you include in your description of the place?  What potential does your place have for the use of sensory images, figurative language, dialogue, anecdotes, and showing rather than telling?  What do you want the dominant impression to be?

           

 

Generating Ideas and Text (taken from the Norton Field Guide (Goggin and Bullock) Chapter 16, pages 168-169)

Explore what you already know about your subject.  Why do you find this place interesting?  What did you already know about it?

            I found it interesting because so much of it is mysterious. Immediately after stepping foot inside the gate, it’s noticeably quieter than the outside area. It’s almost as if the very air that surrounds the place is sound proofed.

 

If you’re planning to interview someone, prepare questions.  What would you like to ask someone in the place in order to better understand it?

            I’m curious to know how social the residence halls are. For instance, in the hall that I live in in the Adelphi Commons II, I spend a lot of time with my suitemate but outside of that I’ve honestly only spent time with two other people. I’m inclined to find out how far the reach of their dorm social network extends.

 

Do additional research.  Does your place have an online component?  How else might you gather additional research?

Their website is http://barretthonors.asu.edu/ and I could easily call the main office at 480-965-4033.

 

Analyze your findings.  What patterns, images, or recurring ideas or phrases did you use to describe your place?  What contrasts or discrepancies do you see?

            Balance, serenity, mystery, superiority, confidence, modesty. The only real contrast is the clash of the exorbitant exterior appearance with the secure, reassuring confines of the residence halls.

 

Come up with an angle.  What is most memorable about your subject?  What most interests you?  What will interest your audience?
          I think using Twain’s technique of testing the limits of what detail is will make for a connection with the audience and I can only hope my writing has the flow required to accomplish the task. Movng on, I’m truly interested to see if my skill is adept to utilize a style of such a beloved and acclaimed author.

Ryan Rash

ENG 101

Linthicum

9-15-12

Observation Notes

Barrett Honor College

• -          I sit on this bench that is slightly off the path that so many fellow students are taking as I type and immediately I connect the dots. Sometimes, even just taking a minuscule step back from your everyday path allows you to see what you are from an absolutely fresh perspective.
• -          People seem to be happiest when they’re just, living. Nothing more, and obviously nothing less.
• -          All the various things that are happening right now are contributing to just one moment at a time. The density of a moment is unfathomable.
• -          Think about the fact that every place has a history. What was happening at this very spot exactly a year ago? 2 years? 100 years? A million?
• -          The clash between the grass and cement has caught my attention now. For some reason, it makes me think of Yin and Yang.
• -          I enjoy the architecture that went into Barrett. It’s fitting that one of ASU’s most innovative structures would be in the place where ASU’s most innovative students live.
• -          Barrett is different than any other dorm I've been too so far. It is common to see study groups, people reading books, etc. I get a sense that the residents have a great balance of appreciation for their great living situation and dedication to using the situation to the full potential.
• -          ASU has a lot of beautiful women.
• -          I feel like trees are a great symbol of life. They quite literally start from small roots and grow at a slow pace. The older they get though, the more they expand and the more beautiful they become. I like to think of each new branch as a new piece of wisdom that will stay with them throughout their life.
• -          I see what I have to assume to be Barrett tours for high school seniors and it brings me back to when I was thinking about what college would be like. I was wrong about almost everything.
• -          This open field seems like there’s always commotion going on- people walking through, hookah circles, etc. Yet when I sit down and look at it in a controlled environment, it’s truly a peaceful place.
• -          In my ideal, but unachievable world, I would most definitely live in these dorms.
• -          I’m starting to find it pretty difficult to continue to elaborate on such a simple place but somehow things keep popping into my head. It’s a very cerebral place.
• -          I wish I could have been here during the construction process. I want to know what kind of transformation occurred to the overall feel of the same place.