*********The Symbolism of MERMAIDS***********

Topic:
My topic is on mermaids. I chose this topic only because I have always loved mermaids. I always thought they were graceful and beautiful. However, finding information on my topic led me to new thinkings of mermaids. Not only are they beautiful and graceful but they are also evil and can be scary at times.

Research Question:
My research question is this: What do mermaids represent in our society?

Advice:
I know everyone always says "start early," but the reality is, its very difficult to start early. Not only do you not have a full understanding of what the paper entails but you learn more and more as the class goes on. I actually recieved a lot of help from doing my presentation today from my peers!

Process:
I would find a topic that interest you first. Brainstorm terms that might be associated with your topic. Use the library's sources such as the website on multi-search, literally go to the library and get a book, search on actual databases too. One source which I thought would be crapy, that I found was very helpful was Google! Found a lot of information! After you've done research in the beginning of the quarter!!!!! Save all articles, books etc. When you have a more clear idea of the research paper, start looking into what exactly your going to focus on. Start to read the articles. Maybe make an outline. Then start working on ideas!
Don't wait till the last day to do it. You'll probably want to die!

These are some of the sources I found:
Book in library- Sea enchantress;The tale of the mermaid and her Kin

google- The mermaid Myth

Articles

http://muse.jhu.edu/journals/marvels_and_tales/v018/18.1ross.html

http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00497878.2010.516167

http://www.jstor.org/stable/pdfplus/3175418.pdf?acceptTC=true

http://mimas.calstatela.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ufh&AN=12407185&site=ehost-live

http://search.proquest.com/docview/229637782

HOPE THIS HELPS FUTURE STUDENTS!!


P.S.
I love Professor Hicks (not like that)! She is the best teacher and person! I loved this class, even though my life was turned upside down this quarter!

Hunger Games: A Dystopian World Not Unlike Ours

Hello English 102 students. My name is GordontruonG. 

If you are reading this, then damn, you really scrolled down a lot. I'm submitting this homework assignment the first day it's released, so I assume that it will be beneath more recent posts.

By the way, congratulations! You have a really great English professor.

I did my research paper on Hunger Games and how it is so popular. Elements I discussed revolved around the fact that I believe the Hunger Games world is a mirror to our world today. Think about it. People are entertained by violence. In Hunger Games there is more than enough of that. People are entertained by the idea that the oppressed will break through the long standing regime. The Hunger Games trilogy focuses on one girl's contribution to the overthrow of the Capitol. People are entertained by a break in the norm. In Hunger Games the female protagonist can emerge victorious in a 24 player battle to the death. In my essay, all these points are considered, as well as how Hunger Games connects to our class themes of obedience and gender roles. Hmm, I think I just came up with my abstract. Thanks, blog assignment!

But enough about my topic. I'm to give you some advice. Some blogs may tell you to start early, to start as soon as Ms. Hicks hands you the instructions to the paper. However, I say to hell with that idea. I'm don't like to have multiple homework assignments clustered in my mind as I work; I like to take steps when doing assigned work. I'll finish one thing before starting the next. It makes me focus on one thing at a time, and that probably makes my work a lot more profound.

Hence, when Ms. Hicks gives you your assignment, you'll probably have to worry about your 2nd essay. So, my advice is to get that s*** out of the way first. Plus, you have other homework assignments to worry about as well. Do those first. Get the smaller assignments completed before writing up your research essay. You wouldn't want your other work distracting you. I know I wouldn't.

Another piece of advice I will share is don't be afraid to ask for help. I suck at writing and I loathe writing for a grade. Hence, I tend to put random stuff that may or may not relate to the topic at hand. In fact, you may notice that my name above is hyperlinked. If you click on it, it will take you to my Youtube channel. Subliminal advertising for the win. Well, not subliminal anymore. 

Anyway, go ask for help! The class requires that you undergo peer review. If you feel like your classmates are better writers than you, don't hesitate to bug them. If they like you enough, they might help you. If anything, ask Ms. Hicks! She's been teaching English for over 8 years, and although she admits that she doesn't like writing either, she's probably written more essays than you or I have ever written, combined! Even if she doesn't particularly like you, she's mandated to help you if you ask for help, I think. But if you are someone that asks questions instead of shying away in the back of the room, you are bound to be liked! So, ask any questions if you come up with any. Ms. Hicks has helped me a couple times when I emailed my first drafts to her, and she always responded with comments just hours later.

If you are interested in Hunger Games, I am also required to include a list of what sources I think are useful, so here they are. 
The Hunger Games is an Appeal to our Baser Appetites: if you want to know specifically why the author thinks Hunger Games appeals to us.

The Dark Side of Young Adult Fiction: if you're looking for reasons why authors and english professors think apocalyptic and generally "dark" novels are popular.

The Hunger Games by the Numbers: if you need to look up Hunger Games statistics. 

Good Luck. If you're complaining about this research paper, at least be glad that you aren't sent off to fight 23 other children in a battle to the death. No, whether you do good in this paper, chances are you'll still be alive at the end of the quarter.

Dear English 102 class, Spring 2013
If you have made it here, you are in the right place. Take a minute or two to look around and see the other posts before posting. Thanks for your contribution for future 102 classes, and I look forward to reading your researched papers!
Jenny Hicks