Conference Notes

The first pages of my research paper attempted to introduce my thesis topic. The biggest mistake I made was not treating my topic as a controversial debate between my hunch is and what other scholars are saying about the assumption, "education is something that promotes the common good." Dr. Archibald gave me helpful advice on the controversy I should be looking for in my research. This includes finding examples of people who hold an occupation not within the norm (entertainer, artist, comedian, etc.) and challenging the idea that they do not give back to the community. What I plan to do now is find sources that not only support my thesis, but attempt to contradict my thesis.

Research Progress

During the first phase of my search for sources I tried looking for articles on motivational rhetoric. Since my two speakers, Drs. Lyte and Herr, were attempting to motivate their audience I wanted to find information on how to motivate people. My findings turned up an article concerning the different levels of motivation under investigation for the improvement of education. This was a win-win article because my thesis states that, "Education is something that promotes the common good," and improvements to education therefore should equal improvements in society.


Another finding in my investigation was of the Millersville magazine "Review," which has a section to update readers on what MU alumni are doing at the moment. This was a very useful tool for my research because I need examples of alumni who are making a difference to support my thesis that, "Education is something that promotes the common good." There should be evidence of how these Millersville alumni are using what they have learned to serve their community.


Also I will use the original documents from the beginning of the semester to support my thesis. There are plenty of examples in both speeches that education can improve the lives of those who experience it.

Conference notes

1. My new research proposal is, "Education is something that promotes the common good."


2. Research the science behind Motivational Rhetoric.


3. Research who else is/was doing motivational speaking in the local area.


4. Purpose of commencement speeches is to not only energize the audience, but also causes them to reflect on what they have just done.


5. How to become "someone" in this community?


6. How is Central PA (Lancaster-Millersville) area generating the means for a better society?


7. Browse community websites and call around.


8. Use examples from past individuals to get into the conversation about individuals making a difference today.


9. Look for alumni who did what their speakers told them to do.


10. Look for alumni who now do community service, politics, environmental work, health care, work to solve poverty problems, work with medicine, etc.


11. Start with both commencement speeches.


12. Ideals taught in liberal arts education can be internalized.


13. Philosophy of institution is my thesis, "Education is something that promotes the common good."


14. Connect the ideals of commencements to the individuals who acted on those principles.

ResProj paper ideas

1. "Lyte and Herr were excellent motivational speakers intent on making the world a better place."


2. "Motivation brought [Lyte and Herr] to the highest levels of their existence, and motivation led them to share the knowledge that everyone has the capacity to achieve their dreams."

After reading these quotes from my 2Syn paper what do you think about these topic ideas? Do you understand what I am getting at? Which one sounds best to use for the 3ResProj? Why?