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Charles Williard
UWRT 1102
Professor Fran Voltz
December 1, 2014
Course Reflection

During this last semester in UWRT 1102 I began to form into a new writer, thinker, and
reader. This class has helped me look at different pieces of information from all sorts of
perspective. Over the course of this class I was given several opportunities to put my emotion
and thoughts onto paper. This course has shown me ideas and thoughts that I would have never
thought to be interesting.
Being an Accounting major you would think that numbers and math are my passion but
this is far from true. Over the course of this class there were many writings and videos that I
found to bring me enjoyment and excitement. One of my favorite videos during this course was
the Kevin King Verbal Perception Manipulation because it showed me how doublespeak can
actually be used in real life situations. Another interesting video that caught my eye during this
semester was the Edward Bernay and the Art of Public Manipulation. The persuasive
techniques used in this video are mind bobbling. It was also interesting to me how they were able
to take a few words in a negative phrase and turn the whole speech into something positive. One
last reading that I couldnt get out of my head was the Johnathan Sift essay A Modest
Proposal. This reading showed me how certain phrases and words can control the mind. The

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biggest lesson I learned from reading Swifts essay is that many of the problems that individuals
faced years ago we still face in todays society.
There are many patterns that I have found throughout this semester in my work. Many of
the patterns I have found through my daybooks, journals, and blogs have shown me how I think
as a person. One pattern that I learned was my over thinking of blogs and journals. The majority
of the time when I would read the assignment I had to start with a rough draft or bubble map to
put down all of my ideas of the topic. I eventually had enough information and knowledge to
write the blog or journal. Another example of a pattern I saw during the semester was my habit
of talking too much about one part of a topic. I first came across this pattern when I was doing
my research for my EIP. I kept writing about the negative view of Genetic Engineering when
there is also a positive view. I am the type of writer/thinker that I only look at the way I think
when there is more than likely other ways to look at a topic. This semester has showed me to step
out of the box and have an unbiased view on things.
My process of reading has definitely taken a step in the right direction. When I first
began reading assignments during this semester I would not retain everything I read. After taking
this class and using the techniques that were given I am confident in saying I am able to break
down my readings and understand what the reader is trying to get across. One reading I found
trouble reading the first time I came across it was the John Pilger speech transcript, War by
Media. I read this paper twice before realizing I needed to break down each page. After
summarizing each page I was able to understand what Pilger was trying to get across.
One negative pattern I realized during this semester was my repetitive errors in my
journals. When writing my journals I never asked anyone to look over and check for grammatical

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errors. I would write the journal and check the spell check. In the future I think I need to take the
time to read over my writings and check for small mistakes.
The whole process of the EIP project was long and worn out. The beginning of the
project was exciting before I realized how much work had to be put into the essays. The
annotated bibliography was the hardest part for me because the research was limited and small.
After the annotated bibliography was complete the rest of the project came with ease. The
proposal of the project was definitely the easiest because of the amount of research and time that
needed to be put to complete it. The EIP reflection was also an easy paper to write because I was
just looking back on the whole process of the EIP. If I had to do this whole project again I would
change a few things. The first thing I would suggest to future students is to not procrastinate. Get
your work done before time so you are not stressing last minute. One other thing I would suggest
is to have someone read over all your papers and give their input whether its what you want to
hear or not. Also, before this project I was never a firm believer in drafts but I can now say I
without a doubt believe in the process.
I do think I deserve an A for this portfolio project because of all the time and effort put
behind the scenes. This whole process has been a learning experience and Im glad I was given
the opportunity to enjoy it. I hope after all my drafts and finals that we can both agree that my
work deserves a good grade. Looking back on this semester you have taught us to reach deep
down and be the writer and thinker we were born to be. My favorite quote from this semester
was by Dylan Thomas Do not go gentle into that good night. This quote will help motivate me
each day to not take things for granted and live each day as if it was my last.

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Thinking back on my life before this class I was never able to stand consecrated form the
crowd and tell my exact view on a subject. My whole college career has been my going through
the motions searching for the person I want to be for the rest of my life. I think this semester has
finally fully shown me what path to take to be successful as a writer and reader. I am ready to
begin writing poetry on a daily basis so that one day I can maximize my abilities. I want to thank
you for all the time and effort you spent teaching us what we need as readers and writers.