essay 1, articles, and ethos discussion

Poetics of Vulnerability

• Introduction to Creative Arts Therapy

  • Creative writing, visual arts, music, and theater are no longer seen merely as hobbies.
  • Over the past few decades, there has been a growing recognition of these art forms as therapeutic tools to treat mental illness.
  • Reference: The authors mention that creative arts therapy has gained interest in the treatment of mental health issues.
  • Citation: Hanovich et al., 2013 (page 174 of the text).

• Art Therapy Context

  • Art therapy is primarily used in conjunction with medication.
  • User organizations advocate for creative arts therapies when medications have adverse effects or lack effectiveness.
  • Creative and expressive writing encompasses personal journaling, poetry, fiction, and autobiographical memoirs and is recognized therapeutically, especially for individuals with severe mental illness.
  • References to Chang, King, Stuffy, and Noble.

• Credibility Through Citations

  • Citations enhance credibility.
  • Citing previous work conveys historical backing and relevance to claims made.
  • If one were pioneering the use of poetry as therapy, extensive groundwork would be essential to gain trust.
  • The notion of ethos is presented as citations establish writer credibility.

• Discussion of Key Participants in the Study

  • Juanita and other participants discuss the motivation behind selecting the article focusing on the psychological effects of poetry.
  • Key figures referenced are Paul Rakower and Julia Kristeva, philosophers informing the article's framework.
  • Both are prominent 20th-century philosophers in their respective fields, lending credibility to the ideas presented.

• Research Methodology

  • The study’s methodology is critical in establishing credibility.
  • Participants were recruited from the department for in and outpatient treatment for early psychosis at Oslo University Hospital.
  • Specifically targets individuals aged 18-30 who have experienced psychotic symptoms.
  • Compared to arbitrary participant selection, a curated group contributes to more reliable findings.

• Findings and Limitations

  • Study results indicated that not all participants benefitted from creative writing therapy universally.
  • Emphasis on the need for voluntary participation in creative writing activities.
  • The authors recognized their findings may not apply universally across all individuals with mental illness, thereby enhancing credibility by portraying an honest, nuanced view.

• Conclusion Reflections

  • The study concludes that while some success in therapeutic benefits was seen, not all participants found creative writing to be beneficial.
  • The authors advocate flexibility and the freedom for participants to withdraw from writing assignments, emphasizing the importance of personal choice and individual response to therapy.

• Discussion on Other Articles

  • Transition to a second article, more favorable among students, regarding the Book of Kin (Bach).
  • Focused on how creative journaling impacts social work education during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • The study involved international collaboration, enhancing the credibility of outcomes across diverse cultures (Canada, India, Israel, Jersey Island, Spain, Sweden, the U.K., and the U.S.).

• Building Credibility in Research

  • Acknowledgment of limitations and selection biases is crucial in adding credibility.
  • Limitations included small sample sizes and self-selection biases among participants, demonstrating self-awareness and transparency in research.

• Ethos, Pathos, and Logos

  • The assignment entails focusing on one article for writing that addresses ethos, pathos, and logos.
  • Ethos is correlated with how credibility is established through acknowledgment of limitations and substantial references to established work.
  • Importance of creating a well-structured rhetorical analysis to reflect and connect insights on ethos with emotional appeals (pathos) and logical arguments (logos).

• Writing and Formatting

  • Discussion on APA vs. MLA formatting for writing assignments in the course.
  • The goal is to equip students with skills in both formats as they progress through their education.
  • Guidelines provided for in-text citations in APA format, stressing proper structure in body paragraphs for thoroughness in argumentation.
  • Key elements include: introduction of argument, evidence, analysis, and strong concluding thoughts linking ethos to persuasive writing.