talking about the synthesis proposal

instructions for the synthesis proposal

Here are instructions for the synthesis proposal.

Literature review "results" section in APA

This is the literature review that we looked at in class on 2/27.

Writing Center instructions

Hello fellow Writing Center consultant,

If you're reading this, you're sitting with one of my students, wondering what to do next. Due on 3/17 is a 6-7 page, Times New Roman font, 1-inch margins, 12-point font results section of a literature review paper. There is an example of a published literature review from AJPH in the "files" section on Canvas, if either of you is curious what one looks like. This paper is also in APA. 

The plan for the paper is not to do it all at once. So, the paper doesn't need an introduction, a conclusion, discussion section, method section, etc. The paper will need all of those things eventually. But we're doing all that after spring break. The results section is the most difficult and substantive part of the paper, and, as such, needed to be done first. 

But, in term of the results section of the paper itself, I don't expect a masterpiece. After all, this is just the paper's first major draft. And it'll be compressed down to a smaller length later on. What I'm really looking for is organization. When I say "organization," I mean the rationale by which they decide what studies go in which paragraph, and how the paragraphs are arranged and sequenced together for the purpose of arriving at their own conclusion. 

Every paper ought to have subsections, that is, because published literature reviews in the field of public health have subsections, so one really great thing you two could do together is brainstorm how to break up the results section into, say, three smaller subsections, and make an outline for one of these sections. (The number of subsections could also be two. But, if they want to do any more than four or less than two [i.e., none at all], they'll have to come talk to me first.) The number one thing I'm concerned about is that they simply develop a good rationale for what goes with what and why. 

They have an assignment coming up in which they have to do just this (the synthesis proposal), and I'm not opposed to you two working on that assignment, either, especially since it basically asks for the same thing: namely, to re-contextualize the results of different studies in the form of a story, while also breaking the task into subsections for increased readability. (I'm also a fan of good, very informative titles for the subsections.) 

So, brainstorming is good; outlines are good; figuring out how to tell a story with data is good; collectively figuring out what studies go together and why is good, etc. But that's where they're going: i.e., the synthesis proposal, and then the result section of the literature review. 

Also, email me at drakestechnicalwritingclass@gmail.com

Drake

Be sure and make an appointment soon. By late next week at the latest.

Where to go to make an appointment at the Writing Center.

writing center consultants who specialize in CHS

Drake

Pleased to make your acquaintance. My name is Drake, and I am a graduate student in English and education. I would be particularly helpful at brainstorming ideas and working through argumentative prose. I also have a knack for revision, organization, and coherence. I am teaching CHS 211 for the first time, so I welcome literature reviews as well! As for me, academics is my life. When I’m not teaching, writing, or helping others through the writing process, I enjoy cooking.


Logan

Hey friends and neighbors, my name is Logan, and I'm a graduate special student starting my third year here at the Writing Center. I received my BA at UNR, and I'm currently researching MFA programs to take that next, terrifying step in my education. While my own writing endeavors are mainly in fiction and creative nonfiction, I am excited to help my fellow colleagues get the most out of their work. I have experience working with many diverse types of writing, and I can offer advice throughout the writing process, from close-reading and research strategies to argument and structure to the sentence-level nuances of cohesion, syntax, and grammar. Bring your creative work, your persuasive work, your work in both science and the humanities; I'm sure we'll have a good time. And, yes, we can still talk about AP Style.

Maddie

Hi, my name is Maddie! I’m graduating May of 2017 with a bachelor’s degree in community health science, with an emphasis in public health. I also will be getting my minor in human development and family studies. My strengths in writing include organization, as well as CHS, Biology, and HDFS classes. When I have free time, I like to practice my cooking skills, watch reality TV shows, travel, and play with my Lionhead bunny, Mr. Jack.

Hailey
Hey guys! My name is Hailey. I am majoring in community health science with a focus on public health. I love learning about the different diseases and how our bodies fight them. I plan on applying to graduate school and becoming a physician’s assistant. Music is a huge part of my life, everything from Led Zeppelin to the Beatles, anything oldies and I am there. I am also very enthusiastic superwholock. I love the outdoors and being athletic. I am always happy to help with anything you throw at me. English and health sciences are my strong suits. I look forward to meeting you!

Samantha

Hello! My name is Samantha, but you can call me Sam or Sammy. I am an adaptable writer who appreciates all aspects of the learning process and can confidently address a wide range of rhetorical situations. I am a psychology major who loves research. My favorite part about working at the Writing Center is helping students engage with the material they are writing about. I enjoy helping students synthesize information for argumentative essays, research papers, reviews, and a variety of fiction and non-fiction styles. I am confident to support writing for any course that falls under the liberal arts and humanities spectrum, community health science, as well as business communication.


Aly

Hi, I’m Aly, and I’m studying pre-nursing and addiction treatment services! I excel in synthesis and argumentation, but I can help you with any variety of topics, including Core Humanities, Core Writing, scientific disciplines, and more. I also can speak and understand Tagalog. I like watching Food Network and eating sushi as many times a week as I can afford. Come on this writing adventure with me!