My Field of Study

As a math major, topics covered in my field are diverse, broad, and applicable in many other areas of study. Math students learn many skills such as problem solving, analytical thinking, computations, and advanced forms of mathematics like calculus and proof writing. They apply mathematical principles and formulas to solve real life problems in different areas. While the math can be basic numbers and equations, mathematical theories and philosophies can be applied as well.

Students who chose to pursue a math major can work in a variety of fields. Often they double major in fields such as engineering, teaching, science, business, and computer science. Math majors are in high demand simply because of their advanced knowledge of problem solving and their added value considering research and data analyzing. The possibilities for careers are endless because math is so interwoven into the fabric of businesses and research.

I was drawn to this field because of my passion for logic and numbers. I always have enjoyed sitting down and solving a problem and using processes to figure out the correct answer. I hope to apply my mathematics degree to become an actuary, in a growing field of probability and statistics to analyze investment risks.

The leaders in math fields are widely dispersed through different areas of studies, and are not specific to a few people or groups. However, there has been some notable advancement in the field of mathematics in the last 10 years or so. Yasumasa Kanada, a Japanese mathematician, has set many impressive records for the most digits of pi, using a super computer. In 2013. Yitang Zhang proved that the gap between prime numbers is finite, leading to him receiving the MacArthur Award. Other mathematicians and groups have also proven several conjunctures.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/ajc1/8144344750

Top journals in the mathematics field include: Annals of Mathematics from Princeton University, Communications on Pure and Applied Mathematics from New York University, Acta Mathematica from the Royal Sweetish Academy of Sciences,  and Inventiones Mathmaticae, with managing editors from Princeton and University of Paris-Sud.


UPDATE:
After reading a few of my peer's articles, I found it very comforting how much math plays a role in their respective fields. Both astronomy and engineering rely heavily on this math and problem solving to create and discover. The math concerned is just applied differently to fit the particular problem sets and situations. This makes me feel reassured with the direction of my own math major and makes me realized that I could work in a variety of fields with my degree or even double major in something more concentrated. I feel like there is really limitless possibilities!

Article Links:
http://arrickbensonenglish109h.blogspot.com/2015/08/my-field-of-study.html?showComment=1441150611061#c43736269153812648

http://massimoenglish109h.blogspot.com/2015/09/my-field-of-study.html?showComment=1441151350836#c4492217548271911753

Effective Arguments: Passionate or Factual?

During arguments, it's often crucial to make sure to make valid, factual points. Many people feel that arguments should be completely robotic and devoid of emotions. Yet, almost every effective argument is tinged with emotions, both positive and negative, that make the listener feel passionate about the subject.

In the Research synopsis "Rhetorical Traditions, Emotion and Modern Discourse", findings show that emotional persuasion is much more effective than simply logical persuasion. In this way, emotions are so deeply tied to our perceptions of the world that our core values cannot function without them.

Emotions can be used as a tool, even a weapon, to convince others of your point of view. For example, considering the Sea World controversy, a emotional view would significantly help the argument. Many organizations rest of the fact that humans instinctively care and feel empathy for other living things.

In this case, emotions dramatically support the facts by providing an emotional attachment to the issue. On the other hand, it doesn't really contribute to the ethos of the speakers, because they may not be very informed of the topic, only passionate about animal rights. Finally, it can definitely supports the values of the speakers, who strongly bailie in the issue for moral reasons. \

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blackfish_(film)

Sea World: Killing the Killer Whales?

This article discusses Sea Worlds treatment of their orca whales after the controversial documentary "Blackfish" was released supposedly exposing the parks. This debate has always interested me after watching this documentary because I used to visit Sea World all the time. I'm still curious about all the facts of the matter and slightly appalled if the documentary was all true.
Article: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/seaworld-new-ad-hopes-combat-controversy-over-whale-treatment/

Are Frat Houses Promoting Rape Culture?

I personally was appalled when reading "The Atlantic" article detailing the rude, sexual, and concerning signs fraternities were hanging about new freshman girls. As a female, first year college student, I know I would be very uncomfortable seeing this type of culture in a university.

Yet, the comment section seemed more concerned with the legal battles of free speech, as well as double standards concerning men and women. Many comments felt the article was overreacting, that it was so big deal and that the girls just needed to suck it up and move on. Others claimed the university should take the signs down and that it promotes rape culture.

These comments all seek to convince the other readers that their opinion is right and to color the view of these readers. It seems the commenters are only people who feel very strongly about the subject, mainly free speech activists and feminists who are passionate about their point of view.

While many comments seemed to understand what they were talking about, quite a few others were filled with loaded words, and very biased language. Often times they resorted to insults of the other commenters, which definitely brought down their reliability. Others still just seemed to want to complain about the government and society with no real facts.

It felt like everyone in the comments section was just yelling at each other, fighting to be heard and very afraid that their opinion would be wrong or not accepted.

At the end of the day, I still feel the signs were in bad taste and inappropriate to incoming freshman girls, and personally these comments seemed far too out there to change my mind.

Article:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Dominion_University

http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2015/08/crass-frat-boys-at-old-dominion/402226/#disqus_thread

Rhetorical Context

When we are faced with different social situations it's natural, even instinctive, to present ourselves in a light that would best fit the opportunity.

For example, words used to describe ourselves are dramatically contrasting when aiming to please different audiences, such as a potential employer, date, and roommate. It's quite easy to deduce what buzz words are directed towards each recipient based on what that audience would be looking for. A future employer would be searching for a person who would be dedicated, hardworking, and driven to get the job done right. On the other hand, a potential date or roommate would be looking for someone a bit more intimately, focusing more of personality traits and compatibility. In this way, it's quite simple to see how a love interest would be interested in someone loving, kind, and supportive, and a roommate for someone nice, neat, and friendly. 

Even though the idea of analyzing rhetorical situations is quite new to me in this context, I have subconsciously been using this tool my whole life. 

When trying to persuade my parents to spend money on me, I've presented myself in the most responsible, hardworking, and respectful way, in order to show them I deserve it. I might not act this way all the time, but because of my audience, I know that to persuade my parents, presenting my argument in this way will be more likely to yield the desired results.

Normally, this tactic is very effective!

https://www.flickr.com/photos/ted_major/11932449495