Encounter texts and media with openness. 

• Put aside preconceptions and beliefs.

• Allow the source to tell its story on its own terms.

Be aware of your emotional reactions to the course content. Jot down your triggers.

• What makes you angry, uncomfortable, hopeful, shocked?

• What comes to mind outside of class and coursework time?

Write down important keywords and phrases related to the content that triggered the emotional reaction.

Look up synonyms for those words and phrases. 

Plug some of those terms into article databases to test the research waters. 

• Is there enough information to make that topic viable for your paper?

• Has someone else already said exactly what you're thinking?

Think. Let the concepts you're considering coalesce. 

Write your topic as a question to be explored and answered.

Discuss your research question with Dr. Nelsen.

CHOOSE SOMETHING YOU FIND PERSONALLY STIMULATING.