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The CCRA blog is authored by Columbia undergraduate researchers, who are invited to reflect on all aspects of the research process and their own undergraduate research experiences, beginning (but not ending) with the Core.
Author Archives: Ardaschir Arguelles
Cognoscere Aude? Calvin and Hobbes, and Playing the Game
Periodically, I revisit Calvin and Hobbes to renew my sense of wonder. The comic strip finished its run well before my time, but in its anthologized forms it has been a touchstone for my life. Growing up in Singapore and … Continue reading
Posted in Life, major research, postgraduation plans
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What to Do During the Summer: Study Abroad
Even as a senior, I am still mildly surprised when – in January, in the thick of winter – my peers begin to talk about their applications for various summer programs. My bemusement betrays a basic thickheadedness on my part, … Continue reading
Posted in Life, New York City, Study Abroad, Summer Research, Uncategorized
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Senior Thesis Research: A Case Study Involving Two Case Studies
The first challenge I faced when I began formulating ideas for my senior thesis at the start of this semester was deciding on a project that could involve both my major fields of study. Classics and East Asian studies do … Continue reading
Posted in Coursework, Libraries, major research, Senior Thesis, The Humanities, Uncategorized, Writing
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The Core and Creative Conversations: Or, A Vindication of University Writing
My final Contemporary Civilization paper was entitled “Creativity and the Core.” It ran through Plato’s metaphor of the soul as a horse-drawn chariot; Foucault’s description in Discipline and Punish of an execution by dismemberment – being pulled apart by horses; … Continue reading
Posted in Archives, courses, Coursework, Historic Sites, The Canon, The Core, The Humanities
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Sailing In Search Of Second Wind
The other day I had the opportunity to see one of my favorite authors, Neil Gaiman, in person, celebrating the life and work of another of my favorite authors, Ray Bradbury. Neil Gaiman’s Coraline and The Graveyard Book pleasantly haunted … Continue reading
Posted in courses, Historic Sites, Life, The Humanities, Uncategorized, Writing
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Some Thoughts on Canons, and A Modest Proposal for Freshman Year
LitHum is not enough. This observation should resonate with two groups of students in the class of 2027. The first group consists of those (there are some out there) who are excited to begin LitHum, who feel keenly the limitations … Continue reading
Posted in courses, The Core, The Humanities
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