Journal Blog #4: What happens next?

We are on our way. You have worked through the narrowing process and you have attempted a draft at an introduction. By now, your thesis statement should be fairly clear, so the reader should know where we are going...  right?

It is actually quite difficult to keep our point. Any of us knows the the feeling after we've been talking for a while to then think aloud...  "what was I saying again?" This is the challenge of academic work. It is to state your point and never lose it. To dig deep into it and keep going without getting distracted by other ideas that may seem related, but nevertheless are not doing anything to further undersand the task at hand.

What happens next? Describe the 3 or 4 supporting ideas for your thesis statement, and explain the order in which you plan to present them. We are nearing the end of the term, so lets get this planning done now while we still have time to be thoughtful.

Include your ID# in your post. Aj. M

Journal Blog #3: What is your area of interest?

Things move very quickly in these short summer sessions. Developing a topic is the first and most important part of the process. It is not only important to know your topic, but also to know where your topic comes from. What is behind your topic? Of what situation are you writing about? Of what subject does this topic belong?

The first thing you have to figure out is your area of interest. For ERS, this is wide open; however, I recommend that you consider your major as  your area of interest. This can be a good starting point from which we can start to narrow to a particular subject to a particular situation to a particular topic.

In this journal blog, tell me what your area of interest is and explain why? Are there possible ideas in this area that motivate you or catch your curiosity? Let me help you work this out.

Include your ID# in your post. Aj. M

Journal Blog #2: How can leaders inspire people in both good and bad ways?

We have been reading about some influential figures, namely Aung San Suu Kyi and Dave Brubeck. When we think of inspirational leaders, we usually think about those who have changed our world for the better... Those important figures that make us as individuals want to be better people.

However, leaders also have the influence to mislead and to misinform. We can find ourselves following the wrong leader down the wrong path. If not the wrong path, a strange path that gets us into one kind of trouble or another.

In this journal blog, I would like you to consider this question. Can you think of an example of a leader who has had great influence and many followers, but whose message may not be something we would admire. Why do so many people become inspired by these kinds of leaders?

Please include your ID# in your post. Aj. M