Project Reflection
To prepare for this project, we extensively studied globalization and international systems that dictate the course of the world’s development. Reading articles on the subject, including Benjamin Barber’s “Jihad vs. McWorld”, provided us with enough background knowledge to choose a topic from a lengthy list to base an Op-Ed and accompanying political cartoon on. We analyzed professional Op-Ed examples to create set guidelines to help us through the writing process, and then followed thorough research procedures on our own to strengthen our argument. After competing our pieces and subjecting them to numerous rounds of critique, we got to work on our political cartoons. The preparation for this segment of the project consisted of studying the cartoon techniques: symbolism, captions/labels, analogy, irony, and exaggeration. Through combining these techniques with our own creative whims, we were able to produce a visual representation of the stance we took in our writing.
My new understanding about globalization after completing this project is that regardless of the opinions either supporting or opposing it, its influence isn’t black and white. At the beginning of the writing process, I assumed the position of a devil’s advocate on the issue I chose, almost arguing against the implementation of democracy and for the stability of authoritarian regimes. However, as my viewpoint developed over the course of the project, I began to see validity in what I was saying, therefore instilling the belief in me that globalization affects everyone differently, so there isn’t necessarily a right or wrong answer.
A look back at the first draft of my cartoon will immediately show quite a bit going on in a fairly small space. Symbolism ran wild through my sketched-in cobblestone streets, which were littered with text, and if you were lucky enough to stumble upon some meaning in my captions, then it was actually a passable representation of American democratization. Otherwise, though, you were left pretty confused. The techniques I had to focus on to amend this were symbolism. When revising my drafts, I had to recognize that to de-clutter my cartoon, I had to integrate fewer yet stronger symbols, rather than more yet weaker symbols. I picked out the ideas from my piece I felt I couldn’t part with, then otherwise started anew, combining ideas in some places to clean up my work.
The writing I did for my Op-Ed was different from writing I’ve done in the past because it was a comfortable blend of professionalism and expression of opinion. In previous assignments, as well as in my other classes, the type of writing was always meant to be black and white: either structured and objective or freeform and subjective. It was an interesting experience to combine the two into a simultaneously structured and subjective paper. What I learned from doing this assignment that I could apply to future work is the aspect of smoothly integrating source material into my writing. Since many of the concepts I discussed were fairly new to me, I had to do some extra research outside of school to ensure I’d provide a competent account of the situation I was focusing on. I think it would be great to carry that habit over to future assignments so I can deepen my understanding of my topic and provide the reader with a more well-rounded experience.
My new understanding about globalization after completing this project is that regardless of the opinions either supporting or opposing it, its influence isn’t black and white. At the beginning of the writing process, I assumed the position of a devil’s advocate on the issue I chose, almost arguing against the implementation of democracy and for the stability of authoritarian regimes. However, as my viewpoint developed over the course of the project, I began to see validity in what I was saying, therefore instilling the belief in me that globalization affects everyone differently, so there isn’t necessarily a right or wrong answer.
A look back at the first draft of my cartoon will immediately show quite a bit going on in a fairly small space. Symbolism ran wild through my sketched-in cobblestone streets, which were littered with text, and if you were lucky enough to stumble upon some meaning in my captions, then it was actually a passable representation of American democratization. Otherwise, though, you were left pretty confused. The techniques I had to focus on to amend this were symbolism. When revising my drafts, I had to recognize that to de-clutter my cartoon, I had to integrate fewer yet stronger symbols, rather than more yet weaker symbols. I picked out the ideas from my piece I felt I couldn’t part with, then otherwise started anew, combining ideas in some places to clean up my work.
The writing I did for my Op-Ed was different from writing I’ve done in the past because it was a comfortable blend of professionalism and expression of opinion. In previous assignments, as well as in my other classes, the type of writing was always meant to be black and white: either structured and objective or freeform and subjective. It was an interesting experience to combine the two into a simultaneously structured and subjective paper. What I learned from doing this assignment that I could apply to future work is the aspect of smoothly integrating source material into my writing. Since many of the concepts I discussed were fairly new to me, I had to do some extra research outside of school to ensure I’d provide a competent account of the situation I was focusing on. I think it would be great to carry that habit over to future assignments so I can deepen my understanding of my topic and provide the reader with a more well-rounded experience.