Zachery Mathison

Professor Nathan Cole

English 1010-026
15 December 2015
Course Reflection
During the course of this term I have learned a lot when it comes to writing and English
in general. This class has in particularly been helpful in teaching me how to communicate more
effectively. The final paper that I had to write has helped me through my other Gen Ed courses
by teaching me some basic principles that I would need in college. The IEP paper was a very
important learning experience for me. Through the term I feel like I met and exceeded the term
goals in some areas.
Throughout this semester this class has helped me in how I communicate. Ethos, pathos,
and logos are very important tools to master that I needed to understand reading, writing, how to
speak more clearly, and how to retain more when listening. During this course I felt like I was
understanding the proper usage of MLA format, through the help of my professor. Pathos is a
great tool for me to use when I am trying to understand how to reach my intended audience,
whether it be a small group, interpersonal, or a mass setting.
I feel that this course is very relevant to all of my other Gen Ed courses. When we were
writing the IEP paper we discussed what databases are and how to use them. That would help me
in so many different fields that go beyond English. I then later took what I learned from this class
and applied it to both my philosophy final paper and my physics paper.

My IEP paper is my crown jewel to my semester, it is the project that I spent the most
time on and have the most pride in. I feel like I did very well because I had a few trials and when
I overcame them it makes it that much sweeter. In the beginning I had trouble finding a topic.
Went a couple days searching all my databases for a topic that meant something to me. When I
went over to TED and listen to their popular talks I realized I had found it. I learned from that
problem that sometimes simpler is better, a topic that I frequently talk about is better than one
that I know little about.
The term goals were that I would be able to master the rhetorical strategies by the end of
the semester, I feel like I have through all of my projects. Also that I would be efficient in my
critical thinking processes. I now know how to effectively write a summary, analysis, synthesis
and know how to give a proper argument to any situation now. I feel like I have reached my goal
about the composing process including how invent my own works, draft, revising, help others,
and assess my own work. Lastly I feel like I understand the concepts of writing conventions.
How to correctly cite multiple texts and how to incorporate them into my own writing with
degrading the overall structure.