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THE POWER OF WORDS

Module I: The Creative Process

Research Project: Student Handout

Amy Tan

I get curious about a subject and then I go out and start the research, and at some point it's just I've got to start writing. I want to start moving it in the other direction. I'm ingesting all the time when I'm doing research. Now I want to start telling the story and as soon as I start telling the story I realize that what the reader needs to know next to make this understandable, I don't know. I've got to go find that out. You learn what the gaps in your knowledge are by starting to tell the story.

Select one the projects below to further explore the power of words. Each project will require you to:
   1. Write an essay that compares two different approaches described by the authors to develop and use structure.
   2. Write an essay that compares the structure in a novel by Carole Shields or Amy Tan with the poetic structure of Rita Dove's work Thomas and Beulah
   3. Develop a chart that compares the structure of a film and the structure of a printed story without images. Which format provides the most freedom for the writer?

RESEARCH FOCUS
A Structure for Words

RESEARCH QUESTIONS
Use the following research questions to get started. Add your own throughout the research process.

   1. How do the authors describe the different structures they use?
   2. Are they guided by events? Characters? Research? Time?
   3. What physical images do they use to visualize a structure?
   4. Which approach do think might work for you as a writer?

RESEARCH PROJECT REQUIREMENTS
   A. Present a clear thesis statement in your research paper or presentation.
   B. Compare two or more advocates.
   C. Site references.

SUGGESTED RESEARCH PRESENTATION FORMATS
   - Research paper
   - Multimedia presentation