Overview:
During Week 3 and Week 4, a lot of my work centered around solidifying my research plan and (trying to!) iron out the details regarding the nuances of my research. This meant I had to get a full lay of the land on the primary sources out there, both on the cultural entertainment program side and the policy side. I spent a lot of time on various Chinese Central Television provincial station archives and the National Radio and Television Administration’s website. I also continued to read more scholarship on prevailing ethnic theories within the People’s Republic of China. Ultimately, I settled on finding three case studies that would hopefully illuminate connections between changing CCP ethnic policies and acceptable projections of ethnicity on the CCTV screens.
Future Plans:
By the end of Week 4, I had many minority-ethnic performers in the running to be used for my case studies. I plan on zeroing in on exactly which case studies will be most beneficial and productive for my research paper and analysis. I also plan on translating all relevant CCP NRTA policies and memos so I can utilize them in my paper. Finally, I plan on beginning the writing process so I can formally string together my thoughts and findings. My goal is to consolidate all my findings and finish all my research before the end of the research process (July 9), so I can take time during the rest of the summer to marinate and sit with my thoughts as I engage in the writing process and create my research poster.
Challenges:
This project is my first foray into any type of research, and an independent project began to feel increasingly daunting over these last two weeks. My research has felt nebulous and free-form, and while I usually enjoy the flexibility to explore various academic interests, I couldn’t wrap my mind around how to move forward with a concrete project. Thankfully, my research mentor has been incredibly supportive throughout, constantly providing resources to help me move forward and continue the research process. He’s been endlessly helpful in outlining his personal research process and we’ve been able to “extrapolate” his strategies onto my project. I’m excited to move forward to our last two weeks!
Hello! I'm Cynthia, a second-year at Georgetown University studying Regional and Comparative Studies with a concentration in Asia. I'm originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
My research project centers around the role of contemporary minority ethnic music in the People’s Republic of China in constructing ethnic identity. I chose this project because studying contemporary music provides unique and living insight into the critically important cultural and political landscapes within the People’s Republic of China.
When I'm not studying or working, I love knitting, reading, thrifting, and a long walk to explore D.C. — all while fueled by an americano, cold brew, or matcha if I'm feeling adventurous :)
Please feel free to send me a message if you want to chat! I would love to hear about you, your research project, and any knowledge you may have that could contribute to my work.
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Thanks for the updates Cynthia! I know your project and Sophia's are focusing on different aspects of media, but have you two discussed any similarities in your projects or similar themes you've both noticed as you've reviewed media? Just a little food for thought!