This week, we focused on developing an academic argument and understanding the key structures behind academic study. We talked about how to choose a research topic, test whether it is viable, and which research approaches and tools can support the writing process.
Personally, I’ve always found text-based assignments a bit intimidating. Writing essays has never felt as natural to me as visual work. However, when the assignment is a research project and I’m allowed to choose my own topic, my attitude completely changes. I genuinely enjoy researching subjects I care about, especially animation and that I why chose to make research on the impact it could have on children.
One of the key things I learned is that academic writing is not about simply liking or disliking a piece of work. It requires critical thinking and a balanced, analytical approach. This means examining both strengths and limitations, engaging with ideas from established authors, and using their perspectives to support or challenge my own arguments.
We also discussed the importance of creating an essay outline early on. Drafting a structure helps identify gaps in research, areas that need deeper analysis, and where opposing viewpoints or dialectical discussion should be included. This planning stage will be essential for guiding my research over the next few weeks and for building a clear, well-supported argument.