Helvetica

The film Helvetica is asking questions about the nature and meaning of type. Is it a "crystal goblet" that simply conveys information? Can you write "dog" in any typeface? Is "caffeinated" only caffeinated in a caffeinated font? Is Helvetica responsible for the Vietnam war?

Having watched the film (and given your own experience), are fonts simply tools that convey information or is additional meaning layered into the font itself? Or both? Support your position with examples from the film as appropriate.

due 11/3

Katz

Katz argues that “[b]oth technology and politics can become the basis of ethics; both lead to power...But technology can become the basis of politics as well” (265). Do you think this is true? Why or why not?

due 10/18

Google VS Wikipedia

Now that you've investigated Google Knol and Wikipedia, what did you find to be the primary differences between the two sites? Which one are you more likely to use now and why?

Also, be sure to address which vision of authorship you would advocate for and why.

due 10/13

Editorial

During class we're focusing on the rhetorical structure and moves of these editorials. What do you think about the content though? Choose any one of the editorials and write a response to it (What was effective? What wasn't? What did you like? What did you hate?)

due 9/29

Rhetoric

We've spent a few days talking about rhetoric now. What have you learned? What do you know about rhetoric?

due 9/15

introductions

Tell us a little bit about yourself! Where are you from, what are you majoring in, what are your interests, etc. etc. I'm especially interested in your language background--what languages do you speak?

I'm Talinn Phillips and I'm originally from Lancaster, OH. I'm married and I have a little boy named Jack who will be 12 weeks old tomorrow (the answer to "what did you do on your summer vacation?"). I've been in Athens for 11 years now and I'm feeling quite nostalgic about the start of the last fall quarter.

I teach rhetoric and composition courses in the English Department and my specialty is working with non-native speakers of English. Before I came to English I taught Linguistics and ESL classes. I've studied quite a few languages (Latin, French, Spanish, German, Vietnamese, Arabic) but I'm only competent in English. I really enjoy studying new languages even if I'll never have time to master them.

Outside of work, I love cooking and traveling, although I haven't been able to do much of either in the last few months. I'm looking forward to taking Jack to visit his Australian family over winter break. I've also started cooking more now that 1) the idea of food no longer potentially triggers nausea and 2) I'm getting enough sleep to focus on something for more than 30 seconds.

Fall has always been my favorite season and if you're going to experience fall, then Athens is a great place for it. I love it when the ginkgo leaves turn bright gold and carpet the sidewalk in front of Alden. I'm looking forward to the changing leaves and all of the fall scents. Also, I must admit that I'm excited about the new season of TV--30 Rock, Grey's, The Office, and Top Gear.

Have a great quarter,
Dr. Phillips

If Tufte Came to Dinner (post due 5/4)

We'll do the blog on Google/Wikipedia in class on Wednesday. This post is due before class on Wednesday.

What would you say to Tufte if you had the chance to meet him? What questions would you have for him? What would the two of you argue about? What common ground would you find?

Post for 4/6

Think of a change that you would like to see made at your school or workplace. Using the five problem-solution steps given in Coleman & Funk 7, outline a proposal that argues for making the change.

Writing for Google and Wikipedia

Tell us about your experiences writing for Google or Wikipedia. What did you find to be the primary differences between the two sites? Which one are you more likely to use now and why?