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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.
Category Archives: Uncategorized
The Presentation Place
Before this semester, I always thought of presentations as research’s final hurrah. Paper written, edits made, the presentation is simply the bow, the final flourish completing the package. As I’ve learned from this semester, that isn’t always, or even often, … Continue reading
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An Interview with Professor Emmanuelle Saada, Chair of CC
Professor Emmanuelle Saada is the Chair of Contemporary Civilization and Professor of French and of History at Columbia. She spoke with me in October about adapting to teaching the Core online, the direction in which Contemporary Civilization is headed, and … Continue reading
Posted in courses, COVID-19, Interviews, The Core, Uncategorized
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Reading for Research
One of the most daunting parts of research papers—and, admittedly, of college humanities courses at large—has been secondary reading. I had read journal articles for some classes in high school, but mostly for science classes: academic papers in the humanities … Continue reading
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Let Your Thinking Flow
It’s the middle of November, which means I’m anxiously awaiting the three days we’re given off from school during which I become more mashed potatoes and apple crisp than human. I say “anxiously” because while I cannot wait to wake … Continue reading
Posted in courses, The Core, Uncategorized, University Writing
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Pacing Your Papers
If the start to your November has been anything like mine, every item on your to-do list has had something to do with the word “essay”: whether a five-page paper for my intro-level lecture class, a ten-page paper for my … Continue reading
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Circular Process, Linear Result
It recently occurred to me that I have an entire chapter of my thesis due next week, and yet I have only done a little over half of the reading and research that I will eventually complete for my entire … Continue reading
Posted in courses, Senior Thesis, Uncategorized
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Falling into First Drafts
The other day, part of my thesis was due. As the deadline loomed, I found myself unable to write more than half a page. I crafted opening line after opening line, but no matter how many times I stepped away … Continue reading
Posted in Senior Thesis, Uncategorized, University Writing
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DIY Templates
On October 31, 2020 I will become my sister. We’re dressing up as each other for Halloween, which means I’ll have to wear leggings in 80ºF heat. More than a simple clothes swap, I’ll attend dance class and learn 75% … Continue reading
Posted in Senior Thesis, Uncategorized
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Why am I writing a thesis?
Recently, I’ve found myself pondering the question: Why am I writing a thesis? Now, I don’t think that there’s any specific right or wrong answer to this question. For some, writing a thesis is a natural extension of a project … Continue reading
Posted in New York City, Senior Thesis, STEM research, Uncategorized
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No Thesis, No Shame
Most of the people in my life tend to be a bit surprised to learn that I’m not writing a thesis. After all, I write a blog that talks about research on campus, and it’s frequently assumed that an interest … Continue reading
Posted in postgraduation plans, Senior Thesis, Uncategorized
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