Engl507

Log 1: Keyword Statement

The point of this log entry (your first in English 507) is to convey your research interests to the balance of 507. It might also function as a way for you to communicate what you'll pursue (in whole or in part) during the balance of the semester. Of course, things will change, and this entry is not a commitment (or the like) to a particular essay, topic, or project. Consider it an introduction by way of research.

In 200-250 words, written in Markdown and saved as an .md file, please respond to the following:

• If you had to reduce your research interests to one keyword, then what would that keyword be? Of note, your keyword can be a person, place, thing, or concept (among others). In other words, there are no real restrictions here.
• Please provide a very brief history of your keyword. If you wish, then you can consult, say, the Oxford English Dictionary or a comparable resource (depending on what your keyword demands).
• When studying your keyword, what are three "objects" (text, audio, video, or images) you examine or have examined?
• Finally, in the context of literary or cultural criticism today, why is your keyword relevant? Why is it important, and to whom?

During our next meeting, you'll informally and briefly (in about two minutes) share your keyword and keyword entry, followed by seminar discussion about the role of mediation in humanities research.

For now, you do not need to submit this entry to me. Just save it to your hard drive (or the like). Also during our next meeting, we'll review how to version and submit your research logs this semester, starting with this keyword entry.

Before that meeting, please join GitHub and email me your handle. At GitHub, I'm jentery. For your handle and profile, you do not need to use your name or any identifying information. Please also feel free to email me any questions or concerns you have (about the seminar, the readings, or this prompt). Thanks!