Final Presentation

Technology

Image Source: http://www.abc.net.au/technology/articles/2011/03/01/3151906.htm

Before this course, I held a strong preference towards in person learning. I had a dreadful experience with online learning in a sociology course many years ago. I was hesitant, to say the least, to try another one. However, having enjoyed a pleasant experience with this course, I am now reassured in the potential of online learning. Online learning is different than in person learning because it emphasizes visual learning abilities. While this emphasis still exists, technology has ushered in a new set of tools which allow previous obstacles to be overcome. Online multimedia technologies such as Skype, Prezi, and Glogs have enhanced visual and auditory learning, allowing a new degree of effectiveness. Ultimately, the kinesthetic aspect of learning in online courses is still lacking. I happen to have a strong inclination towards kinesthetic learning; hence, I still tend to gravitate towards in-person learning. It also depends on the type of course. For example, I took a hybrid, part online/ part classroom, anatomy and physiology course.  While English 102 was manageable, I would never opt to take another difficult lab science primarily online.

I must admit that I was too stubborn to purchase a web-cam for this course. As a result, new experience with technology has been somewhat limited. I benefited most from learning how to use and maintain a blog via web technology. Blogging is a great way to keep a record of writing accomplishments. It is also an easy and effective means to receive feedback. Fortunately, for the time being, it costs nothing. Although my career with not require much writing, the use of a blog may be applicable somewhere down the road. Above all, I enjoyed learning how to obtain information from online databases and apply it in writing. Words cannot describe how frustrated I have become over the years, sorting through all of the rubbish from standard search engines. In general, the sources from online databases are more reliable and educational. I will  continue using online databases in the future; however, I do not believe much of the other technology will pertain to my career. Later this week, I will attempt to create a Glog for my final presentation.To learn more about Glogs, click here.

There are a couple major advantages for taking an English course online. Students may balance completion of assignments and other responsibilities of life with greater flexibility and ease. Also, I received substantially more quality feedback from peers in this course than in my classroom based English 101 course. The only major challenge I struggled with was communication with the instructor. I could not use Skype without a webcam and my classes happened to conflict with office hours. Emailing back and forth is not a good substitute for face-to-face interaction. I managed to receive plenty of feedback and the problem was not difficult to overcome.

Reflection on the Course

English 102 has been an especially enlightening experience for me. Writing will not be a major focus of my career; however, analysis will be a useful tool. Most of the literature I will encounter from now on will be of a scientific nature. Searching for complex meaning and contextual influence will significantly improve my ability to decipher importance, relevance, and meaning in literature to come. I have enhanced my vocabulary through routine thesaurus use as well as interpretation of professional writing and advanced writing from other students. The biggest challenge in this course was developing theses while ensuring they were concise. For more information on thesis development click here. Often, I would try to incorporate excess information into my essays. For example, some of my tentative theses could be divided into separate ideas; each substantial for a separate essay.  I overcame this obstacle by considering the ideas individually and determining which I could make the strongest argument about. Other improvements I have made to my writing include better incorporation of secondary sources and stronger outlines. In addition, I have made a distinguished effort to ensure that body paragraphs have a clear connection with the thesis statement.  

The readings of this class have affected me in different ways. Winter’s Bone was my favorite read and is the closest to something I might enjoy on my own time. Up in the Air was a challenge to say the least. I failed to gather any sense of appreciation for it. The film adaptation seemed to convey the same message, but without the dull and dreary tirades. This is a rare instance where I would recommend a film over a book. Nevertheless, it was helpful to analyze the effect of contextual changes. Good Readers and Good Writers, Bartleby the Scrivener, and A Modest Proposal were mildly entertaining, but more importantly, they forced me to expand my knowledge of the English language and seek deeper meaning. 

As far as the learning outcomes are concerned, I am confident I have excelled in nearly all. The greatest improvement lies in writing focused statements, using organizational strategies, and interpreting/ analyzing texts. A few of the outcomes have improved considerably, but still require attention. These include using organizational strategies, evaluating multiples meanings and perspectives in language, and selecting/ applying a voice. I was fairly proficient with several of the objectives from the beginning such as applying sentence structure strategies and conventions of standard written English. There is always room for improvement and I endeavor to continue perfecting these skills throughout my education. Overall, the course has humbled me as a writer and taught me that I have only scratched the surface of my literary abilities. 

Essay 4 Draft

Aaron Isaacson

English 102

Mrs. Cline

12 April 2012

Reitman Breathes Life into Bingham

The film, Up in the Air, is an adaptation of Walter Kirn’s novel, Up in the Air. The novel was written in 2001, and eight years later the film was produced. Kirn comments about the film in an interview: “… the finished product, though it bears the distinct genetic imprint of the novel, is quite different in some details” (Siegel). During the time elapsed, between the novel and the film, business practices have evolved substantially. Vast changes in American economics and technology have remolded businessmen and changed cultural perception of how business is conducted. The rat race continues to grow and progress exponentially. Ryan Bingham, the main character in the novel and film, is a classic stereotypical businessman. He is disconnected and self-absorbed. The contextual changes inspired the film producer, Jason Reitman, to create a compassionate and charismatic character in Bingham. The differences portrayed in the film reflect a humanization of Ryan Bingham. Reitman’s humanization allows the film to lend itself to a  more sympathetic, family-based audience in difficult financial times.

One of the major changes that occurred in the United States from 2001 to 2009 was a massive economic downturn. Many refer to this catastrophe as the Great Recession, reminiscent of the Great Depression. The United States Department of Labor – Bureau of Labor Statistics provides a graph that reveals devastating effects on unemployment. At the end of 2001 the national unemployment rate was 5.7%, and in 2009 it soared, peaking at 10% (Graph: Unemployment Rate).  As a result, Bingham’s profession, career transition counseling (CTC), has dramatically changed. A great sense of historical irony is apparent when a corporation designed for corporate downsizing is ultimately forced to downsize itself.

In the novel Bingham’s thoughts concerning CTC are: “It’s divided against itself and numb and circular and feels, to someone who does it for a living, like some ingenious suspended animation scheme designed to inject you with embalming fluid while still allowing you to breathe and speak” (Kirn 209). He further states that his clients are not worthy of being committed to memory (Kirn 205). Basically, the novel’s Bingham is clearly disconnected and resorts to a disgracefully robotic approach. In contrast, Reitman portrays no such negative characterization of CTC in the film where Bingham demonstrates concern and sensitivity towards those he must terminate (Reitman). As he carries out his odious task of discharging employees, he makes a notable effort to provide inspiration, motivation and a boost of confidence. Reitman also includes clips of interviews where the victims of corporate downsizing discuss their fate.  The clips portray the level of devastation accompanying corporate downsizing on a deep and personal level not shown in the novel (Reitman). The novel also discusses Bingham’s intentions to move on to a new company, declared in a letter of resignation he has left on his supervisor’s desk (Kirn 4). Reitman’s Bingham is determined to continue his more humanized way of life, and to do so he must tenaciously combat the many technological obstacles blocking his path.  

Reitman depicts Bingham’s disapproval of the pervasive infiltration of impersonality into the business realm to further humanize his character. Deborah S. Hildebrand, a writer for Suite101.com, analyzes the effects of a decline in face-to-face communication in the workplace. She concludes, “…relying solely on technology to share information, communicate ideas and grow relationships seems to have become a common workplace phenomenon” (Hildebrand np.).  The use of technology fosters impersonal relationships that lack sincere bonding and genuine partnership. Three major forms of technology, which had yet to be developed or incorporated into the business world in 2001, are shown in the film. These include text-messaging, Skype and Bluetooth. While these technologies enhance one’s ability to have contact with others, the quality of this contact is often questionable. The increasing demands of the ubiquitous availability of technology for communication may paradoxically result in impoverished communication and frenetic, unsatisfying lifestyles.

Reitman’s film introduces a new character, Natalie, who challenges “business-as-usual” and represents the driving force behind the aforementioned technologies. Natalie suggests the use of Skype as an appropriate replacement for traveling CTC employees. In this pursuit, she creates an algorithm for Skype that, in effect, allows any dullard (completely lacking in counseling skills) to terminate employees through an automated process (Reitman). Natalie is also seen using Bluetooth in the film. The use of Bluetooth, in business, is impersonal because it allows the individual to multitask instead of devoting his full attention to the person on the phone. In the end, Natalie decides CTC is not her “cup of tea.”  Not surprisingly, she resigns via text-message (Reitman). Personal communication is vital to the business of CTC. Many experts are growing increasingly concerned with the lack of personal commitment and real-life interaction in business (Hildebrand np.). While the use of technology in some circumstances may be suitable, becoming over-dependent on it will certainly dehumanize any business (Hildebrand np.). One-on-one contact is essential to inspiring those losing their careers in times of economic crisis. Reitman’s Bingham refrains from using Skype, text-messaging and Bluetooth in a business context throughout the film. He strives to preserve the small amount of humanity he brings to his role of severing a stranger’s livelihood.

Family values have also been affected considerably by the Great Recession. The film emphasizes love and family intimacy more than the novel because hard economic times require more interdependence.  Judith Warner, a writer for the New York Times, analyzes the effect of the Great Recession on middle-class families In trying financial times, “togetherness” is a fresh source of happiness; it sparks solidarity and a new spirit of cooperation (Warner np.). Instead of going out and frivolously spending money, families opt to stay at home, finding strength and sustenance in one another while embracing simple pleasures such as board games (Warner np.).

In the novel, Bingham distances himself from his family to a great extent. His sister, Julie’s, wedding is a prime example. Bingham is determined to be drunk from beginning to end (Kirn 30). He describes the day of the wedding, “when Julie, my kid sister, will try again to camouflage her multiple addictions and general pathological dependency long enough to formalize a bond with a man who has no idea what he’s up against” (Kirn 32). He displays an utter lack of respect and compassion for his own kin. In the film, Bingham’s actions indicate quite the opposite. Just before the wedding, Julie’s fiancé gets cold feet. Bingham seizes the opportunity with a successful one-on-one motivational speech. He says, “Life’s better with company, everybody needs a copilot” (Reitman). Reitman’s Bingham is disheartened when he learns that Julie cannot afford a honeymoon. When he reaches his goal of ten million frequent-flier miles, he generously gifts the newlyweds with two tickets for around-the-world travel (Reitman). Reitman creates a more sympathetic Bingham by depicting him as a loving, devoted family member.

Families cannot afford to break up their households in such trying times (Warner np.). Consequently, the divorce rate is declining (Warner np.). Kirn’s Bingham places little to no value in long-lasting, romantic relationships. Instead, he alludes to casual and often promiscuous rendezvous with a multitude of women throughout the country: “I suppose that it’s time to explain about women. There are lots of them. I credit my looks” (Kirn 33). In the film, he spends the majority of his free time with Alex, his newest fling (Reitman). Ultimately, what begins as a shallow relationship, results in Bingham letting his guard down and falling in love. Reitman, once again, humanizes Bingham by showing he is capable of genuine love. 

         Americans’ motivation to attend movies has been significantly affected by changes in the economy. Misty Faucheux, a writer for Brighthub.com, describes how Americans viewing films are longing for a brief escape from stressful economic circumstances (Faucheux np.) They desire a story reflecting common ground. A. O. Scott, a writer for the New York Times, observes a change in Hollywood character archetypes (np). He describes a paradigm shift where films that, prior to the Great Recession, featured affluence, now tend to include a theme where “Middle-classness is a norm, an ideal and a default setting” (Scott np.) The characters are simpler and are portrayed as hard-working common folk (Scott np.). Consequently, the audience experiences more empathy and identification with them (Scott np.)

The film version of Up in the Air demonstrates this trend of incorporating the middle-class into cinema, with the concept of materialism. Warner concludes that families with depreciated income gravitate less towards materialism (np.). “A craving for a simpler, slower, more centered life, one less consumed by the soul-emptying crush of getting and spending, runs deep within our culture right now” (Warner np). As a result, Reitman must adapt his production.  For the most part, there is less materialism illustrated in the film when compared to the novel. Bingham’s itinerary, in the novel, confirms his preference for premium import rental cars. In addition, he is very particular about hotel accommodations, staying at the plush Homestead Suites whenever possible. He describes particular rooms he favors that include kitchenettes and conference tables (Kirn 5). In contrast, the Bingham of film displays no penchant for upscale hotels or fashionable sedans; a quality that resonates with middle-class viewers. In the novel, Kara, Bingham’s older sister, requests that he order  and inspect twelve pounds of top-dollar, alder-smoked king salmon for the wedding of Julie, Bingham’s younger sister (Kirn 36). She also requests that Bingham cash in his precious frequent-flier miles to fly Julie’s maid of honor to the wedding (Kirn 37). In contrast, Reitman’s Kara requests nothing of material value for the wedding. Instead, she asks only that Bingham take photos of himself, holding a poster board of the married couple, in various settings throughout his travels (Reitman). It is a much more humble request; one to which the struggling middle-class may better relate.  

Reitman brilliantly infuses new life into the Ryan Bingham of the novel, thus transforming him into a more personable and likeable character. Of course, the smooth, charismatic performance of George Clooney assists remarkably in this revitalization. Reitman achieves humanization by creating a character that discards impersonal technology and shows legitimate concern for those he must dispatch. Although he lives life in the air, Reitman’s Bingham maintains a dedicated family relationship and earnestly safeguards their well-being.  By skillfully removing materialist values, in order to achieve a middle-class milieu, Reitman attains his goal of drawing in the audience. Hence, he is able to appeal to a new generation of recession-afflicted families who might otherwise seek a lighter form of entertainment.

Work Cited

Faucheux, Misty. "Is Hollywood in Crisis Mode?." Bright Hub. http://www.brighthub.com, 02 September, 2011. Web. 16 Apr 2012.

"Graph: Unemployment Rate." Labor Force Statistics. United States Department of Labor, n.d. Web. 14 Apr 2012. <http://data.bls.gov>.

Hildebrand, Deborah S. "Decline in Face-to-Face Communication at Work - The Impersonal Side of Technology and its Impact on the Workplace."Career Advice. Suite 101, January 6, 2010. Web. 16 Apr 2012.

Kirn, Walter. Up in the Air. New York: Anchor Novels, 2001. Print.

Reitman, Jason, dir. Up in the Air. Perf. George Clooney, and Vera Farmiga. Paramount Pictures, 2009. Film.

Scott, A. O. "Hollywood’s Class Warfare." New York Times[New York] 22 10 2010, AR1. Web. 20 Apr. 2012. (Scott np.)

Siegel, Robert. "Author Interview." For 'Up In The Air' Writer, Novel, Film Different. NPR.org, December 30, 2009. Web. 13 Apr 2012.

Warner, Judith. "What the Great Recession Has Done to Family Life." New York Times [New York] 6 8 2010, MM9. Web. 16 Apr. 2012. 

Essay 4 - Intro Paragraph

Image Source: http://jindal.utdallas.edu/executive-education/organizational-behavior-and-executive-coaching/program-overview/

The film, Up in the Air, is an adaptation of Walter Kirn’s novel, Up in the Air. The novel was written in 2001, and eight years later the film was produced. Kirn comments about the movie: “… the finished product, though it bears the distinct genetic imprint of the book, is quite different in some details...” During the time elapsed, between the novel and the film, business practices have evolved substantially. Vast changes in the American economy and technology have remolded businessmen and changed cultural perception of how business is conducted. The rat race continues to grow and progress exponentially. Ryan Bingham, the main character in the book and film, is a classic stereotypical businessman. The contextual changes inspired the film producer to create a less self-absorbed, less flawed character in Bingham in the movie. He strives to preserve the small amount of humanity he brings to his role of severing a stranger’s livelihood. The differences portrayed in the film versus the novel, reflect the pervasive infiltration of impersonality into the business realm and the resulting detrimental effects this has on business and personal relationships.


To learn more about personality in business, click here.

Reactions to Up in the Air

Image Source: http://lifehacker.com/5797541/how-to-lie-cheat-and-steal-your-way-to-a-perfect-flight

            The novel, Up in the Air by Walter Kirn, was extremely difficult for me to get through.  I found it profoundly anticlimactic.  I lost more interest with every passing page and found myself drifting off.  I would return and reread the portions inadvertently glossed over, only to find that I had missed next to nothing. The bits and pieces that contributed to plot, or were of slight interest, were grossly intertwined with rambling and jargon.  I grew increasingly frustrated as I as tried to recall previously mentioned acronyms, piece together a confusing itinerary, and sort out affiliation among underdeveloped characters. All things considered, the entire book was insignificant for me. With that rant out of the way, I will offer my take on the novel’s content. Although I did not enjoy it, Kirn effectively illustrates the lives of those trapped in the grasp of the ever-growing corporate monstrosity. To learn more about corporate atrocity click here.

The novel’s main character, Ryan Bingham, is a self-absorbed individual who neglects family, healthy interaction, and stable lifestyle. He is engulfed by dysfunctional sexual relationships, which he embraces. Nonetheless, he is clearly distraught by the outcome of his previous marriage. When he concludes his ex-wife’s new husband is genetically superior and more worthy of her marriage, he is slashing a boundary of self-esteem. Bingham lives an artificial life of illusion in what he refers to as Airworld. Although he glamorizes it and accentuates its perks, the reader may peer through the smokescreen and recognize a withering, unfulfilling career.

The notion of career transitioning counseling (CTC) is astounding. It is actually someone’s career to soften the blow of employment termination by providing false hope; summarizing the victim's strengths in a five to six page document. It is no surprise that many recipients tear their review into pieces in disgust. The practice is deceitful and attempts to sugarcoat a tragic reality. It is a form of damage control and essentially requires professional smoke blowing. Bingham began his career faithful to its capacity. He comes to terms with the unfortunate truth, writes a letter of resignation, and resolves to transition to another company, MythTech. Mythtech is mysteriously glorified in the mind of Bingham. As its name implies, MythTech turns out to be just that, a myth. In the end, Bingham has a humbling experience as all of his illusions crumble to pieces. He becomes proactive and addresses long ignored heath issues including routine seizures resulting in memory loss. His impractical, idealistic bubble has been burst and it is time to return to reality and mend a scornful existence.

Work Cited

Kirn, Walter. Up in the Air. New York: Anchor Books, 2001. Print.

Mid-Term Check In

Mrs. Cline,


Thus far, this course has allowed me to enrich skills regarding thesis development, essay structure, vocabulary, and reading between the lines. My first essay was bogged down by quotes and did not transition well between paragraphs. My biggest success has been learning to structure essays to allow a superior flow for the reader. It has been about five years since my English 101 course and I appreciate the opportunity to refine literary ability, as well as add new tools to my literary arsenal. My biggest challenge has been formatting appropriate theses. I struggle with narrowing the focus of my theses and tend pack in excessive information. I believe this results from a fear that my paper will not be sufficient in length. However, I am making great progress and am more confident about upcoming essays.


The readings in the class have affected me in different ways. I did not enjoy A Modest Proposal because I constantly had to use a dictionary to decipher the text. It was very distracting and, repeatedly, made me lose my train of thought. Bartleby, the Scrivener was somewhat more enjoyable, but it did not have enough storyline for my taste. To this point, Winter’s Bone has captivated me most. I lived on a farm in rural Pennsylvania for six months and the Ozark community and its values strongly resonated with me. Up in the Air has been trying because, frankly, it is boring. I am hopeful things will pick up as I progress through the novel.


Practicing literary analysis has forced me to be less objective. However, it is not entirely subjective either; one must be able to substantiate their opinion using examples from the text and secondary sources. In past courses, most papers required a completely subjective or objective approach. In addition, summary is emphasized much less in literary analysis compared with my previous writing endeavors. I learned to assume the audience has already read the literature in discussion; therefore, I was able to devote more content to analysis.


I will strive to improve formulation of concise theses and to uncover deeper meaning within literature. Transitioning between paragraphs effectively is also a work in progress. One goal I have for the remainder of the course is a better practice of annotation. It is much easier to annotate important quotes and information than to search for them afterwards. I struggle with knowing what is important or relevant for an essay before generating a thesis. Another goal I would like to achieve is completing one more level six paper to add to my portfolio. Thanks for a great semester so far.


Sincerely,
Aaron Isaacson