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How to come up with an original idea for a paper when the topic makes it difficult?
Any help? One of my professors has assigned us to write a thought paper on something (he gave an actual topic, but mentioning what it is won't help) that we've been reading about in class. It has to be based on one or two of the texts we've read. I just don't think I have anything to say about it, and I'm supposed to come up with an arguable point to make. How about advice on how to fake it? Or anything?
All right all right. The topic is :
Based on at least one of the texts you've read so far, identify and reflect on some of the ways American Indians understand and interact with the natural world. You might put forth some contrasts between Native and non-Native views of nature—but center on the Natives.
The texts we've read so far are Fools Crow, by James Welch, A Son of the Forest, by William Apess, and a couple of poems by Karenne Wood.
Does that help?
5 Answers
- wisdomdudeLv 51 decade agoFavorite Answer
Puzzler's got a good approach.
Consider what happens with words. Most folks learn words by imitating what they heard. So when non-experts (students) read assignments in a specialized field chosen by the professor...we might think we know what the words mean, but then....have you ever looked up a word in the dictionary (because it wasn't in spell check)...but then you accidentally read the definition and said to yourself "Oh, gee...that's what that word really means!!"
So, other than the word origins to give you a perspective on the true essence of the word....there is the whole area of changes and shifts in meaning over time and usage. So sometimes a word starts off meaning one thing...and over time and usage (or misuse or even abuse) the meaning changes. That's why so many times you find several meanings for the same word (in addition to the different meanings because of the form). So context become the clue.
And now, today, in contemporary society...is the meaning the same?
Get some contemporary data: ask classmates what they think the word or phrase means. Then ask students at random around campus. Summarize the results and discuss/analyze them in relation to the textbook definition from the glossary (specialized meaning for the field), from the common dictionary (that most "normal" non-specialists would use), and you've got the start of a paper...with a possible arguable point that most folks have trouble communicating between themselves let alone trying to communicate with specialists....and our interdependent world is based on relying so much on specialists who are reporting on and saying things most people can't understand.
Hope this helps.
- petraLv 51 decade ago
Brainstorm- take a sheet of paper and write down all the thoughts that cross your mind to this topic. Doesnt matter how ridiculous or trivial. Then refine this by by weeding out the useless things you came up with to the point to where you get some possibilities to write on. Good Luck.
- PuzzlerLv 51 decade ago
Chances of faking him out are not good. He IS a professor after all and has probably seen it all.
Choose one key word or phrase in the title and focus on that. Its definition, the root of the word, its origin and history.
If the topic doesn't move you, just say so and why.
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