The last mentor meeting I had with Dr. Shinko was on December 7, 2017, and we discussed for forty-five minutes. I began the meeting by explaining the different sketches I did throughout the semester and taking Dr. Shinko’s input on each one. She advised me to consider which level I would like to do my research: personal, global, regional, for this will dictate if I look at refugee agencies, countries, or individuals.

My original research question specifically focused on the humanization of refugees, and it was based on many assumptions. However, as I explored the various methodologies, I realized my interest lies in integration and why some countries are integrating while others are not; then, I gradually discovered various concrete phenomena for the basis of my research. Dr. Shinko reminded me that my interest should be driving my methodology. Instead of melding my puzzle to the methodology, I should decide what reoccurring question I have had throughout SISU-206 and therefore what methodology would be best. Dr. Shinko and I predominately focused on my third research sketch. We discussed the cross-pollination of discourses and how the elite discourse is influenced by the popular discourse. Dr. Shinko suggested that I track the elite discourse within the EU and other regional organizations or how media discourse infiltrates elite discourse.

For winter break, Dr. Shinko recommended I read a broad variety of sources, including nationalist groups and the United Nations to understand the actors apart of my puzzle. The variety of sources could include documentaries on PBS such as Ai Weiwei’s “Human Flow.” To conduct a discourse analysis, Dr. Shinko suggested I look at post-modernism literature, including Derrida’s deconstruction.

My primary concern is how I will narrow my topic, and I am not completely certain what constraints I will place on my research or how I will focus my literature. I explained to Dr. Shinko that I was conflicted on which methodology I would like to pursue, and we both agreed that discourse exposes what people say and ultimately what people are really thinking. There is no reality without language, and because discourse is not neutral, it helps form the framework of our lives. The categories, labels, and identities we use are part of reality and how we understand the world around us. I plan on doing a discourse analysis and pursuing an interpretivist approach for my research.