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.