Sunday, September 25, 2011

Senior Seminar ideas

Project #1: I may continue writing the piece I started for my creative writing class.  Since it is an autobiographical reflection piece, I would likely look through my old journals and any old writing I did. Although I remember most of what I want to say about the times I am talking about, I am probably forgetting a lot, so this type of research would likely be helpful. I may also interview my mom and some of my lifelong/close friends to gather their perspective on the events, as well as see if they have any stories that I've since forgotten. It would also be helpful for me to write as much as I can about the subject and reflect on it, as I may help myself remember some more details that way. I don't think I'd have an issue writing this piece, other than the fact that it's kind of emotional and could become difficult for me to reflect upon in that respect.

Project #2: Continue writing a fiction piece I started last semester. Since this is a fiction piece, the research I would have to do would be for background/setting within the story. The book is based on religion, albeit loosely, so it would be important for me to make sure any statements I make are not based on assumptions. I am planning on taking a theology/religious studies class next semester for this purpose. Additionally, I can do some textual analysis on biblical and historical texts. Perhaps I could also get some ideas by going to a church service and observing religious people in that element. Based on the sample syllabus for senior seminar, I assume it's acceptable to write a fiction piece? Am I better off working with something more scholarly?

Project #3: I could do something like writing about the pedagogy of teachers in inner city classrooms. I could read books written by other teachers and professors to find out what research has been done on this subject and compare their opinions. I could do ethnographic studies of children who live in low income areas, with single parents, or are on welfare. Then, I could interview teachers who work in inner city classrooms and ask their ideas on what it means to be a teacher in their situation and what they think are important things to teach/methods of teaching. My concern with this topic or similar would basically be that I'm not terribly interested in it. Should my senior seminar be based on something that I enjoy, like creative writing, or something that better reflects what I have gained from college thus far? I understand that I need to be doing research, but what type of research should I be doing? I am also worried that if I choose this type of project, I would be disinclined to finish it because I would lose interest in it rather quickly.

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