Today we went over the old TP-CASTT model for poetry/music analysis.  Then we tore it apart.  In doing so, we found the most appropriate method for us to use in analyzing any work, but shorter pieces in particular.  Here is what we came up with:

Awesome.  You all (inadvertently?) created a workable representation of the rhetorical triangle using the common sense you apply to describe the things you enjoy.  This is going to be a good year.

The rhetorical triangle is used to describe the interaction of the reader, the writer, and the message itself.  From what you have given me, it could be constructed this way:  A writer presents some information (imagery, symbolism, or a straightforward statement to the audience.  The reader then takes this structure and applies it to what he or she has read (looking for allusions) or experienced.  This "reader history"  is then applied to the message.  If it fits, then you have a solid interpretation or analysis.  If not, ’round we go again.  (We’ll discuss this "application of reader history" in more detail tomorrow.

We will continue looking at poetry on Friday, so if you have a song that you particularly enjoy, share it!  Together we’ll try to find a new way of interpreting it.  The song’s author does not necessarily have to be British, but that would be nice.  Even better:  Can you find a poem or song similar to Stevie Smith’s "Not Waving but Drowning"?

As a quick review of today’s discussion, here are the main points we covered:

• T-DIDLS sounds funny
• Diction is the author’s choice of words; an author can make a short piece more meaningful than a long one just by choosing cool/more specific words.
• Denotation is the dictionary definition of a word; it is the word’s literal meaning.
• Connotation is what the context says about the word; it is what the word implies.
• Slang, colloquial language, and jargon are used in a persuasive setting to connect with an audience.  Using them can be risky, though; an author will secure a bond with his or her audience as often as he or she severs it.
• Slang words are words used in everyday conversation, never in academic or formal writing. They add flava to our speech, but send the wrong message when used improperly. (Did I get away with “flava”? I can use that, right?  Proper/improper?)
• Colloquialisms are tied to a geographical location. It is often easy to tell where someone lives (even if they don’t have a noticeable accent) by the phrases and words they use.  They make up the grey areas between different dialects of the same language.
• Jargon makes sense only if you are part of the group to which the piece is written. Unless you bone up on the topic. Then you’re kind of part of the group. So, it only makes sense if you are part of the group to which the piece is written.

While it turns out that Richard Nixon’s "surfer" flub was not actually recorded, I thought I’d share the other video I mentioned.  Here, Jay-Z is asked about an obscure song he wrote in 2006.  Mayor Bloomberg steps in, quoting the title.  While this has little to do with "diction," it does run parallel to the fact that if you seem to have little in common with your audience, a nod to their culture goes a long way.  This is precisely how jargon or colloquialisms (sometimes slang) can be a bridge between you and your audience.  This falls under the ETHOS category, but we’ll talk more about that soon.

Remember to bring an article to class tomorrow for discussion.

NPR story about a Kansas man earning money for his political campaign using an online comic rife with "geek" references.  Link to the comic on the left of the article.

What does this mean?  Sure, he’s raised the money, but the article notes that "about 90  percent of his donations came from out-of-state contributors through PayPal."  Those donations do not translate into votes.  What do you think of the comic?

This is really cool.  Images of citizens posted around the community.  Better than billboards?  Probably.  But what’s the point? via NPR

More technology and urban planning.  Text to vote for new business. Gothamist Story

From PopRally, "a program of events at The Museum of Modern Art and P.S.1 Contemporary Art Center," comes an exhibition of political works of art from the JustSeeds Visual Resistance Artists’ Co-op.    [If you find something cool, post a direct link in the comments.  I haven’t been able to look through all of the works.  Although this one from the front page is fantastic.  How does the background image affect the message? What about the color and quality of the background image?] Original story via Gothamist Story.

Slate article on one group’s protest of the movie Tropic Thunder.

Again from Slate, this time a video analysis of the McCain/Obama commercials.  [Anyone know what the title of the article is alluding to?  Why would they call it that?]

If you were confused by the RSS feed talk today, check out this older post.  I have listed sites that I enjoy, as well as a video about setting up an RSS feed yourself.

I’d add Treehugger and Popmatters to the list.

Remember, comment below, telling me who you are (if it isn’t obvious from your name), which web sites you like to visit and anything else you care to share, like good music!  If you don’t have a site to share, click on a link that has been posted, have a look around, and report back.

Buy journals soon.  We’ll begin discussing T-DIDLS in class tomorrow.

Amazing first day!  Thanks, guys.

If you were confused by the RSS feed talk today, check out this older post.  I have listed sites that I enjoy, as well as a video about setting up an RSS feed yourself.

I’d add Treehugger and Popmatters to the list.

Remember, comment below, telling me who you are (if it isn’t obvious from your name), which web sites you like to visit and anything else you care to share, like good music!  If you don’t have a site to share, click on a link that has been posted, have a look around, and report back.

Buy journals soon.

Amazing first day!  Thanks, guys.