Choosing my major was one of the most difficult decisions that I have ever made. Not because I didn’t know what to. The problem was that I liked different fields (I still do) that seemed unrelated to each other. Well… basically my interests were (and are) neurobiology, architecture and algorithms. I didn’t want to give up all of them. I wanted to find something that unifies all my interests. So… I found it. COMPUTER SCIENCE. CS is not just about computers, honestly a computer scientists, a programmer, doesn’t care about how the machine does all assignments. CS is about how to logically, step by step solve a problem using a programming language. This reflects the third interest (algorithms). What I like in CS the most is that it can be applicable everywhere, even in neurobiology and architecture. One of the ways is to model in 3D. A graphical interpretation of any problem makes it easier to understand and solve. Repeating again, CS is all about problem solving with algorithms and models. This is the main principal to find a solution for any situation.
OK, after this looooong introduction in my problem, here is my model.
It is clear, that the claim is “CS is the best choice for me”
Ground – Computer science gives me an opportunity to unify or find connections between all my interests.
Warrant: CS is about find a solution in a logical way using algorithms. This is the main tool to solve any problem in any field. CS is applicable everywhere.
Backing: I had 4 semesters of programming on C and C++ at school, at I enjoyed it. When I worked on neurobiology project, my topic was about computers and people and I used a program for the experiment. The way I engaged in architecture was a video game where I modeled and designed buildings in 3D.
Qualifier: Requires much effort.
Nice job! I think your argument uses the Toulmin model correctly, though you could have explained your warrant a little more thoroughly. Your qualifier was good, too--I have trouble thinking of those myself.
ReplyDeleteI admire your ability to bring together your diverse interests into a single career path. That's something I haven't been able to do yet, but I suppose with fields as different as electrical engineering and creative writing, there's not much to be done. Congratulations on using a rational thought process to decide on your major. You are miles ahead of most people in that regard.
Congrats on finding a major that supports all of your very different interests! In your model though, I don't think your backing supports your warrant. Rather than justifying the statement, "CS is about find[ing] a solution in a logical way using algorithms," your backing is more like a ground for your claim.
ReplyDeleteSo, finally you found the right major. Congratulations!!
ReplyDeleteI think you have been successful in explaining you problem(point) through the Toulmin model. I kind of faced a similar dilemma and am still facing it now but will eventually figure it out. I like your warrant and qualifier.
I don't understand your qualifier (unlike the other commenters apparently). Nowhere else in your intro or other parts of the model do you mention the amount of work required by your major. I might have used a qualifier like "provided an application that allows me to apply it to all three of my areas of interest".
ReplyDeleteMaybe I don't understand the model very well and you did the qualifier exactly right. I don't know. Just a thought. I liked that you gave us an intro though, it added a lot to your post.