Core Value I. My work demonstrates that I used a variety of social and interactive practices that involve recursive stages of exploration, discovery, conceptualization, and development.
We were told that at the end of the semester, we are supposed to produce a 3000 word research paper and it can be based on any topic. Initially I was very excited but was not able to settle on a specific topic. I chose to write on Modern Feminism and included my research in my Proposal +5 but then my professor advised that my plan catalogues the many ways women face discrimination around the world, it won’t make much of an essay. Hence for my white paper I settled on projecting India as the next superpower. I changed the entire concept of my paper and had to go through the whole process of exploration, discovery and development all over again. I was glad I changed the topic because it helped me broaden my understanding regarding my own country and kept me engaged in writing till the end. The work was tedious but it gave me a new outlook on writing. The more you involve in your writing, the better outcome you will be able to produce. Reading, Revising and editing are the key
Core Value II. My work demonstrates that I placed texts into conversation with one another to create meaning by synthesizing ideas from various discourse communities.
I learned that in-order to engage your readers it is important to establish a conversation in your writing. I always thought that establishing conversation simply means citing sources in your article. But my professor taught me that in order to create a conversation and write a meaningful coherent article it is important to define an argument, define its causes and effects and give definite proof supporting your argument. Re-reading and asking for constant feedback from the professor and my peers helped. This is demonstrated in Definition Argument.
Core Value III. My work demonstrates that I rhetorically analyzed the purpose, audience, and contexts of my own writing and other texts and visual arguments.
Before writing my short arguments, I started by doing critical reading and analysis, made a critical engagement sheet and outlined my thoughts and started finding my sources to support my argument, keeping my audience and purpose in mind. My professor taught me that to be a writer it is important to be unbiased. Giving your own opinions would be an injustice to the reader. So I tried to remain open minded during my casual argument and decided not to jump into any conclusion without in-depth understanding of the topic.
Core Value IV: My work demonstrates that I have met the expectations of academic writing by locating, evaluating, and incorporating illustrations and evidence to support my own ideas and interpretations.
To write a research paper one is bound to do a lot of research and collect appropriate illustrations and evidences to support the argument. Initially I started by just picking up random articles and citing them in my work which is seen in my Proposal +5 and then my professor advised me to use sources that actually relate to my argument and establish an conversation. I was advised to use google scholar and the rowan database to get strong evidences for my paper. I also took help of wikipedia articles which helped me to establish a clear thought process. Listening to audio podcasts also helped. My use of illustrations and evidences is demonstrated in casual argument, Definition Argument, Proposal +5, and stone money.
Core Value V. My work demonstrates that I respect my ethical responsibility to represent complex ideas fairly and to the sources of my information with appropriate citation.
Ethical writing is important. Every writer deserves to be credited for their writing and so citation is important. Hence during the semester I tried not to Jeopardize any of the university policies or code of conduct. I have always maintained a habit of including a works cited page in all my arguments. I might have forgot to cite the article here and there but my professor warned me on time so that I can avoid plagiarism. My works cited can be seen in casual argument, Definition Argument and also in Bibliography.
Rowan Counterintuitive 