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 Blog Post #1: Topics of Interest

This semester I am currently taking ENGL 3450 - Methods of Research. I will graduate in Spring 2023 with my bachelor of science degree in English, a professional and technical writing emphasis, and an ASL minor. Next semester I will be doing my Senior Capstone, which is scary and exciting at the same time. 

One of the areas I'm interested in studying further is legal writing and its history, structure, and procedures. I'm unsure exactly which direction I want to go with this, so I would like to do some research before committing to a topic. I am considering analyzing the Justice or District Court websites and evaluating if they are user-friendly.  

After working as a legal assistant this summer, I have realized how many low-income people do not have the access, knowledge, or ability to answer a lawsuit and are defaulted the majority of the time. Understanding legal writing and procedures is hard enough with good education and background, much less when you have neither of those privileges. 

Again I am not sure if this is precisely the route I want to go, but I am drawn toward projects that directly impact people. 

I am open to suggestions, feedback, and comments, so please let me know what you think and if you have any ideas for me!

-Lexie

Comments

  1. Taylor LindellAugust 29, 2022 at 12:56 PM

    Hey Lexie! I think this topic sounds super interesting! The legal process is so complex and can be very daunting for those without the resources necessary to understand it. I believe that this research could be super beneficial for those in need. I'm excited to see what you find and the difference you'll be able to make!

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  2. florence08August 31, 2022 at 11:13 AM

    Hi Lexie,

    I love your preliminary ideas here!! In particular, examining the user-centricity of the Justice or Court District website is very appealing to me as possible writing for interactive media principles may be applied. I really like the idea of providing accessibility as a research goal to empower the marginalized -- e.g., analyze if the site is user-friendly, easy to navigate, comprehensible for an ordinary citizen, and so on... (and make recommendations when applicable).

    Of course, other research angles for this topic are also possible. Feel free to start plowing through some scholarly articles for ideas (I'll also introduce the Lit. Review writing assignment #1 next week) and once you're ready to identify your direction, let me know and maybe we can set a brief meeting to talk about it, ok? Am here.... =))

    Dr. B

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