Daniel C. Eckert - Writing Portfolio

Analysis Imitation Opinion Operations Transcription

Writing

Communication skills are of utmost importance to me in my technical work. As a complement to my technical endeavors, I enjoy exercising my communication skills through a variety of non-technical pursuits.

Experience

My strengths in written communication encompass technical writing, professional argument, and academic discussion. Feel free to use the tabs to the left to browse a few samples from my portfolio.

Availability

If you're interested in composition or editing services for yourself, a friend, or an organization, please email me at eckertd@gmail.com with a short description of your document and the service you need.

Philanthropy

I enjoy enriching the global community through outreach and volunteer work, and I do my best to accommodate requests for pro bono services when possible, but my availability varies. If you are in need of volunteer services for a project, please shoot me an email and tell me more about your project.

Analysis

On Commodity and Religion in Pope's The Rape of the Lock
:: November 2009
One component of academic studies in English is the Academic Review, which is a researched critique of a literary criticism. On Commodity is an examination of graduate student Alex Hernandez' criticism of Alexander Pope's Rape of the Lock.
On To Friendship
:: September 2009
Literary criticism allows an academic to explore and examine the finer details influencing the work of a writer. On To Friendship is an exploration of a single stanza of prose by writer Charlotte Smith.
Historical American Punishment
:: April 2008
As a component of my studies in historical American law, I have learned about the evolving nature of punishment standards and methods in the American judicial system. This document is a brief analysis and summary of the progress made in capital punishment and incarceration tactics during the 19th century.
Judicial Mercies
:: February 2008
In modern American courtrooms, juries and judges have vast discretion in their ability to convict and sentence those who argue before them. Similarly, courts of early America had tools of discretion at their disposal to enact leniance in cases where such action seemed merited.
Rhetorical Influence: Sociopolitical Manipulation
:: October 2007
This short analytical discussion is an example of Neo-Aristotelian rhetorical analysis. Neo-Aristotelian analysis is used to examine literature through the lens of emotion (pathos), logic (logos), and character (ethos). My analysis investigates the use of Neo-Aristotelian elements in the 2002 State of the Union address.
The Tides of Administrative Politics
:: September 2007
Besides Neo-Aristotelian analysis, investigation of general trends is a good way to compare rhetorical works. As in any other formal writing, analytical work must embody a circumspect perspective. This report of trends in recent State of the Union addresses exhibits my ability to circumspectly discuss my rhetorical analysis.
Nineteenth-Century Sociopolitical Reform in America
:: May 2006
Time is occasionally of the essence in situations where detail and communication are not to be sacrificed. This essay is an exploration of social politics and reform trends in American history — completed in 90 minutes with a defined scope of reference material.

Opinion

An Open Letter: Free Expression at NCSU
:: November 2010
This letter is an example of opinion in the venue of public discourse, arguing a position in favor of preserving unrestricted expression in public forums. This statement is in response to columns published in the NCSU Technician newspaper.
An Open Letter: Student Protest at NCSU
:: November 2010
Similar to "Exemplary Teacher" (2007), this letter is an example of opinion in the venue of public discourse. This brief inquiry is in response to a recent student protest at the NCSU Free Expression Tunnel.
A Force of Change
:: November 2007
Analytical review does not always demand carefully-cited research and ponderance. This extemporaneous look at issues in Middle-East national identity formation was completed in 30 minutes without the availability of reference material.
Empire Builders
:: November 2007
Just as A Force of Change exemplifies the occasional necessity of opionated review, Empire Builders is an example of writing used to assert a perspective. This document is summary examination of the Spanish and Ottoman Empires, and an example of monologue assertion.
Exemplary Teacher
:: October 2007
In cases of public discourse, short and powerful opinions of position are the weapons of choice. This brief statement is a reaction to the upheld dismissal of Enloe High School faculty member Robert Escamilla by the Wake County School Board following an appellate review.
The Acquisition of Knowledge
:: April 2006
This short essay written for the CollegeBoard SAT Exam makes a pointed argument in favor of giving American students the abilit to direct their educational decisions. The argument is articulated and reinforced through the use of comparisions and discussion.