The only limitation for your exploratory essay and your research paper is that the topic should deal with something related to pop culture and/or mass media. This means that if it satisfies either of those, the topic potentially works. However, a subject and a topic aren't the same thing. For your papers, we'll start general by listing. Then we'll mind map, also known as clustering. We want to hone your subject and come up with something more specific, something more interesting. We want to see if we can make some connections. When you mind map, you want to write down whatever comes to mind. Don't edit. Sometimes, a "free mind" will make connections that are less obvious. See the student sample below. After mind-mapping, you'll make some questions. This essay is called an exploratory essay, after all. Questioning is at the heart of this.For this activity, there are five steps:
A. Listing General Subjects. In the process of selecting a topic, it's OK to start general. To start, write down the subject of your Subculture Blog. Then make a list of 10 more general things that interest you related to pop culture and mass media. They may be subcultures; however, that isn't a requirement. Anything that falls under pop culture and/or mass media is a potential subject—for example, Tik Tok, massively multiplayer online games, punk rock, or reality TV.
B. Clustering Video. Now watch the video on Clustering. Note, in particular, what he says about making connections that aren't immediately obvious. This is key for creating interesting topics and developing new ideas, in general.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2MuzG06sOw&feature=emb_titleC. Going from Subject to Topic. After you watch the video, select three from your list and brainstorm for 10 minutes by making a mind map (clustering). To get started, one thing you can do is ask yourself questions about the words: Who? What? When? Where? Why? How? You should get around 100+ words. You can brainstorm for general ideas to start out, but once you have an idea you like, try to dig into that idea. Notice the detail of his clustering on Martin Luther King. This is one key to narrowing your topic. The mind map on Parkour (above) is an example. You would do this with a minimum of three words (subjects). If you prefer to brainstorm on your computer, you might check out this site (链接到外部网站。) that provides a list of mind mapping/brainstorming tools.
D. Making Questions to Refine Your Topic. Then make 5 potential research questions (fact, definition, cause, value, and policy) that you could use on your exploratory essay.
Question of Fact: Is social media making people less open-minded?
Question of Definition: Is capitalism a necessary part of pop culture?
Question of Quality: Is popular culture less desirable than "high culture"?
Question of Policy: Should we educate children in schools that graffiti is an art form?
E. Uploading Your Work. When you are done, take a picture of your list, mind map, and questions. Then upload the picture.
Sample Solution