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Blog #6

 For this research paper, my writing and research process involved multiple stages of drafting, revising, and source evaluation. At the beginning, I focused on finding credible academic sources about mermaids in mythology, literature, and modern media. One thing I learned is how important it is to verify sources before using them, because I initially found citations that looked real but did not actually have reliable publication information. I realized that the school library had a lot of the publications I needed. Another thing I learned is how to organize a research paper rather than just listing information. Instead of simply describing mermaids over time, I structured my essay to show their evolution from ancient mythology to modern branding. This made my argument clearer and helped my ideas connect more smoothly across paragraphs. Finally, I learned that revision is one of the most important parts of writing. Adding analysis and transitions helped strengthen my argument, esp...
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Blog #5

Writing the introduction to my research paper wasn't as tricky as I thought it was going to be. It did make me realize more what I wanted my paper to start with and go more into detail about what the audience was reading off the bat. I started by brainstorming a strong attention-getter that would immediately draw readers into my topic. Although we did it in the outline assignment, I wanted something more interesting. From there, I worked on building background context, making sure to clearly explain how historical interpretations differ from modern portrayals. I had to review it a couple times to not be so overwhelming in the beginning of the paper. One specific thing I learned is how important the introduction is in setting the tone and direction of the entire paper. It helps guide the reader. I also learned being more direct in my introduction helps me not feel like I repeat myself in the body paragraphs.
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Blog #4

While completing the Outline Assignment creating the outline helped break down each specific idea into more smaller and manageable sections. For example, organizing my points into categories like historical mythology, cultural interpretations, and modern media portrayals allowed me to put sources to each idea that would support it the best. It helped a lot with the structure and me knowing what I want to say and the argument I want to prove.  It was easy to plan everything out and made it a lot simpler especially deciding what I want to talk about in my body paragraphs which I struggle with. I can have 3 distinct points and knowing what I should be talking about helps in not mixing my points together, ruining the fluidity. I don't usually do outlines unless they are required. I feel with the combination of every other assignment, it has guided me to become more knowledgable about my topic and how I want to write about it.
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Blog #3

For my Research Proposal Assignment, I focused on how interpretations of mermaids have changed from early folklore to modern media. My research process began by narrowing my topic from a broad interest in mermaids to a more specific focus on how mythology has been adapted and twisted over time. Using the library helped me find good journal articles that were credible and I found a lot of sources with one database which was very convenient. One specific thing I learned about my topic is that mermaids were originally portrayed as dangerous or symbolic figures connected to fears of the ocean, rather than the friendly characters often seen today and what I grew up seeing. Even in modern shows we only see a glimpse of mermaids and their true origin so that was really interesting. I also realized that I tend to be too broad when Im doing these assignment and I need to narrow down and focus on more specific details instead of the topic as a whole.
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Blog #2

 For the Annotated Bibliography assignment, I started with brainstorming what exactly I wanted my research to be based upon. I knew my topic, but I wanted to know what about mermaids would be interesting. Once I decided I then focused on reading each source, evaluating the credibility, context, and tone of the articles. Knowing what I was trying to cover, helped with sticking to the idea I was trying to prove and not repeat myself. One interesting thing I learned was how much mermaid representations have changed over time. I started with very little knowledge about their history from being dangerous mythological beings to symbols shaped by gender norms, spirituality, and modern media. I also realized I am way better at summarizing than critiques. It was difficult picking out little details from a source with so much information. Although I did end up getting the hang of it I found myself repeating what I was saying and finding enough things to critique.
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Blog #1

Hello everyone, my name is Solares Solano. I am a freshman in college and a Biology major. The Course Packet was very informative, breaking down what we will cover and the tools that can help guide us to complete the assignments to the best of our abilities. It also helps to reference the packet for exact instruction, instead of looking it up. Also having all the information for our research project where everything is in such great detail will really aid in making sure that the end result is done properly. Nothing was left unsaid. I even learned a few things from the packet. I learned what a signaling phrase is. I have always used them in my writing but I never knew the term. I also found out about reading laterally. It was also interesting because I have never done it or heard of it before and I feel it is very useful in making sure your sources are credible for your paper. Overall, the Course Packet is going to be very helpful.
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