Four paradigms for research: exploring thesis possibilities

Class was devoted to laying the groundwork for the rest of the course.  We reviewed the syllabus and took a look at the calendar - to get an idea of the grand scheme for the course.  As noted on the syllabus - the calendar is a work in progress - and will be revised in response to what we actually do in class.

Important notice: class will be held in CAS 305.  We may move to one of the conference rooms when we aren't using the computers - but for next week we will begin in CAS 305.

Four paradigms: You began to think about topics you might want to explore for your thesis work.  Hang onto the writing prompts; you might want to do some more exploratory writing.  It is important to choose a topic you feel some passion for - because you will be with it for a while.  This is an area where emotional connection might count more than "reasons" - since in terms of pursuing research, emotions seem to be more durable.
 After you generated some ideas - you picked a "topic" and formulated a question and did some impromptu planning for a project.  This is both to help you begin to reckon the kind of planning you will need to do, and to start you thinking about topics match your resources (as well as your inclinations).  We talked about the Erics and Kena's proposals as way to explore the research paradigms identified in Mertens Chapter 1.

The chart we worked from (on the board) is in Chapter 1 in a more complete form - and I strongly recommend that you pay attention to the different assumptions, learn the language to talk about the paradigms, and start thinking about where you fit as a research - and what kind of research your assumptions /paradigm will set you up to do.  Thinking about what kind of knowledge the different paradigms produce - and who benefits from and/or controls that knowledge - is one of the major themes of exploration in this course.

Reaction papers:
At the end of class - I briefly introduced the reaction paper assignments.  The reaction papers will lay the basis for our seminar discussions.  For next week, I will present 3 sample reaction papers (one for each of the assigned readings).  We will discuss/critique them - and you can then use those papers (in light of the critique) as models for your papers/presentations.  I will post the revised sign-up list by the beginning of next week (hint -they will be the readings on the calendar).

Great class tonight - though I did get a little tired listening to myself talk.  As we move into the course - I am looking forward to watching you take off in terms of your research agendas!

For next class:
Read:  Mertens, Ch 3; Literature Review;  and three selections from Miller: Research in Composition (1963) p 193;  Composing Proc ess of 12th graders (1971) p 228; "Writing Insight": Deafness and Autobiography (2005), p 1243.

Write: NIH training (see directions posted to the right under assignments)