49 Synthesis Essay Assignment
What is Synthesis: synthesis involves combining two or more summaries, drawing together particular themes or traits that you observe in those texts and organizing the material from each text according to those themes or traits. Synthesis, in its dictionary definition, is learning how to actively engage in various texts, think critically about authors’ different perspectives, and develop our own meanings.
Directions: In order to make sense of the various opinions and facts out there, you must present them in a way that is logical (logos), authoritative (ethos), and centers the human condition/behaviors (pathos) while keeping in mind a sense of urgency (Kairos). Choose sources that present some sort of opinion/unique perspective on your topic; these perspectives can align with your mindset or differ from your personal views. Or, you can choose contrasting perspectives that are presented to show disparity. Choose sources that you know you will be able to write at least 3 pages. You should have these sources ‘talk to each other’:
- 4 interviews—2 can be your own OR you can choose 1 or none and use others’
- At least 2 web or scholarly sources that provide background or connective tissue
IMPORTANT: Up to the point, you are merely collecting, organizing, and summarizing information (others’ ideas). Please do NOT incorporate your own opinions.
- 1 of your opinion—take your own questionnaire (today in class)—your opinion will/should ONLY come in toward the end of the essay in your CONCLUSION.
PLAN OF ACTION:
TODAY:
- Go back to your group mapping session with today’s goal of reaffirming some of the dimensions (i.e. the broad strokes in which you noticed trends, perspectives, opinions, etc.). With some time and space since the last session, what other things do you notice? Think about some demographic information like gender, age, etc. that might provide some unique insight. Record/copy down any new information that you add to the dimensions sheet.
- Which dimensions are the most important to YOU? Which are the most interesting to YOU? Choose two or three. Create a priority list. These do not have to be the same dimensions or priorities others in your group pick.
- Write down/record/share out interview information so that folks can INCLUDE additional interviewees’ information in their synthesis paper. Don’t be stingy. You’re doing your own paper/own work, so focus on your roadmap. Each of you will have different things that you are focusing on.
- Take your own questionnaire. The questionnaire served as the foundation for your interviews, so it’s important that you, too, take this survey and put pen to paper on your own opinionsßyour own responses to your questionnaire or its functionality will only be relevant in your conclusion.
