Article Reflection #1 Lecture

Introduction to Academic Articles

• Understanding how to read and analyze academic articles is crucial for success in advanced English courses, particularly in courses with independent research components.

• This lecture aims to provide guidance on approaching academic readings and assignments related to two specific articles.

Overview of the Two Articles

• The course features two academic articles available on Blackboard:

  • One article is theoretical and dense, assuming extensive background knowledge.

  • The other is more straightforward and focuses on a simple yet engaging question with innovative research methods in film studies.

• Articles represent a spectrum of readability and complexity in academic literature.

Reading Strategies for Academic Articles

1. Forgive Yourself for Not Knowing Everything

   • It's common to encounter challenging concepts; take the initiative to research unfamiliar terms.

2. Initial Read-Through

   • Read the article once without getting bogged down by difficult sections.

   • Aim to identify at least one idea per page to assemble a cohesive snapshot of the article’s argument.

3. Deepen Your Understanding

   • After your first read, reflect on the overarching argument and re-read for comprehension.

   • Look for markers in the text that signal key points in the argument.

4. Identify Thesis Statements

   • Track successive thesis statements or shifts in argument to better understand the main ideas.

   • For instance, the opening sentence of the article on ecological awareness sets the tone for its claims about the environment and capitalism.

Article Analysis: Katerina Pashkiewicz

• Key Themes:

  • The article discusses the role of cinema in raising ecological awareness during the Anthropocene.

  • It explores how filmmaking can impact social issues, particularly concerning the environment.

• Key Questions Posed by the Article:

  • How does cinema help us rethink our relationship with our environment?

  • How are humans and nonhumans represented and their agencies made visible?

  • How do eco-films affect cognitive and sensory levels in viewers?

• Markers for Understanding the Argument:

  • Watch for the phrase structure that outlines the article’s goals, such as "aims to reflect" or outlining archetypal questions of the research.

  • Understanding multiple thesis statements throughout the article can help piece together the larger argument.

Article Analysis: Learning from Caribou People

• Context and Background Information:

  • This article reviews the Being Caribou film and critiques surrounding scholarly responses about its portrayal of Indigenous perspectives.

• Significance of Scholarly Dialogue:

  • Highlights discussions regarding representation, accountability, and the relationality of narratives from Indigenous people.

  • Emphasizes the importance of critically analyzing narratives that involve Indigenous communities.

• Guide Phrases for Argument Structure:

  • Articles often provide early outlines or thematic statements that indicate the structure of the argument.

  • Readers should seek clarity on how each section relates back to the core arguments outlined in the introduction.

Assignment Guidelines

Overview of the Assignment Structure

• The assignment consists of two parts (each worth 2.5% of a total of 5%):

  • Part 1: Article Summary

    • Summarize the key concepts from Pashkiewicz’s article based on prompts provided.

    • Develop a comprehensive understanding of the article’s arguments with specificity and clarity.

  • Part 2: Quotation Incorporation

    • Choose a significant quote from the article and contextualize it within your own analysis.

    • Incorporate the quotation using MLA citation, ensuring proper integration into sentences and explanation of its relevance.

Emphasis on Original Thought

• Aim to engage in a scholarly conversation rather than merely reiterating what the articles say.

  • Incorporate personal insights or extensions of the concepts discussed, signaling your academic voice and interpretation.

• Develop a unique interpretation based on the resources while acknowledging the authors’ contributions.

Conclusion

• Understanding how to engage with academic literature will form the basis for successful research in future English courses.

• Use of secondary sources is to prompt dialogue and develop a nuanced understanding rather than as evidence that simplifies arguments.