Project two: my writing process

 

The image above is a drawing of my personal writing process. This image depicts the actions I make while working on a writing project.

 

1) As soon as I get the assignment I begin to jot down ideas I have for the paper.

2) I will then take some time to think about the project and how to overcome any barriers I am faced with while writing.

3) After I have a solid idea for my paper I will talk it over with my mother or my aunt.

4) After I talk out my idea everything usually falls into place.

5) While I type out my paper I usually watch a movie or listen to music.

6) When I complete the draft I read it allowed and edit.

 

 

This is a drawing of where I write. I write in the living  room of my apartment. I like to sprawl out on the couch and turn off all the lights and open a window to let the sun in. My dog will usually lie at my feet while I type.

 

Here is a link to an article that debates the writing process:

http://wac.colostate.edu/books/selves_societies/prior/

Project two: Research problem

My research problem involves the confusion over what gender dysphoria (transsexuality) is. It has been debated whether gender dysphoria is a physical or mental disorder.

This topic is very important. If it is unknown what causes gender dysphoria the treatments of it could be faulty.

I have gathered information from a handful of credible sources that cover this topic. They all had conflicting opinions over the diagnosis and treatment of gender dysphoria. My research will seek to get some clarity on this topic.

I have included some links that can give you some insight into the issues.

http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/dean-eastmond/transphobia_b_6594674.html
http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/01/30/us-rights-gender-idUSKBN0L323K20150130
http://www.nytimes.com/1995/11/02/us/study-links-brain-to-transsexuality.html

Project one: language is changing

    A lot of  things about the way you look and act change situation to situation and setting to setting. Today I am going to discuss language change. Everyone is saying that '"language is changing", this saying could mean many things. Language changes gradually over time with variations in writing, pronunciation, and lifestyle.

An example of language change is the difference in how you text your friend and how you write an essay for school. You wouldn't use the same dialect in those two situations. Even though I change the way I write when I am in an academic setting I stay true to myself by finding alternative words and phrases that have the same meaning.

 

Here is a slam poem I love that tackles some topics such as staying true to yourself in a world where language can be used to determine social status.

 

 

Another example of language change comes from my personal life. I do not speak to teachers the same way I would speak to my best friend. My tone, vocabulary, and conversation topics change drastically.

Here is a video that goes in-depth about language change.

Project one: genres in my research

While doing my research I drew information from many different genres of writing. Writing genres are basically the different forms of writing. The main difference between the types of writing genres are the rules that go along with each. For example, the rules for writing an article for a scholarly journal would include using academic voice. You would also have to provide facts and evidence in place of your opinion.

 Below I embedded a video that further explains writing genres.

 

 

The different writing genres I encountered while doing my research were: blogs, peer-reviewed articles, and newspaper articles. The three genres are very different in terms of organization, length, focus, and accessibility.

The blogs I used for research were very accessible and relatively easy to find. The information was sporadic because there are no ridged organization guidelines for blogs. The length of the blogs varied because some post more than others. The blogs remained focus on the main topic usually.
 http://www.thegirlinside.com/
http://transitioningfamily.blogspot.com/
 http://t-central.blogspot.com/
The peer-reviewed articles I read were not easy to come by. Some were published too long ago to be relevant to my search. All of them were found in a database that required membership. There was clear organization and the focus remained throughout. Almost all of the articles were over 50 pages long.

Finally the newspaper articles. This genre was accessible but hard to find credible. There was some organization. The articles were not extremely long. The focus remained constant in all of them.
http://www.healthcanal.com/mental-health-behavior/32456-Psychiatrist-Works-Include-Transgender-Issues-Residency-Training.html
http://www.wsj.com/articles/paul-mchugh-transgender-surgery-isnt-the-solution-1402615120

Project one: Research

Famous retired American basketball player Dennis Rodman that occasionally wears drag.

 

 In order to get more background for my research I found a faculty member on my campus that does work that relates to my field of research. I found the webpage of Dr. Nina Nabors. She is a Professor at my university that teaches courses in women's studies, gender studies, and sexuality. Her interests include: psychology of women, women with disabilities, and multicultural psychology.
 
Dr. Nabors field relates to my topic, because it deals with the aspects of gender. All of the resources I have found so far have the central topic of gender and identity similar to Dr. Nabors work. Another topic that Dr. Nabors literary works seem to be focused on empowerment and equality.

This inspired some questions:
1) Why are there no classes that deal directly with transsexuality in gender studies?
2) Is transsexuality a topic in other fields? 

I have a mild interest in Sexuality and women's studies because I enjoy learning how to combat inequality, but psychiatry will always be my passion.