{"id":144,"date":"2015-08-11T21:55:20","date_gmt":"2015-08-11T21:55:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/courses.candelalearning.com\/compreader\/?post_type=chapter&p=144"},"modified":"2020-02-11T00:11:50","modified_gmt":"2020-02-11T00:11:50","slug":"introductiontosynthesis","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/olemiss-readinganthology\/chapter\/introductiontosynthesis\/","title":{"raw":"Introduction to Synthesis","rendered":"Introduction to Synthesis"},"content":{"raw":"Synthesis - An Introduction With Memes<\/strong>\r\n\r\nYou\u2019re in a college composition course, and the first thing you\u2019re asked to do is learn how to synthesize. \u00a0What does this even meme???? \u00a0(Sorry, not sorry. \u00a0Puns are essential to learning.)\r\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\r\nNo, unfortunately, Frodo has nothing to do with synthesis, unless you\u2019re researching the goings-on of Middle Earth.\r\n\r\nSynthesis, in its dictionary definition, is learning how to actively engage in various texts, think critically about authors' different perspectives, and develop our own meanings.\r\n\r\nSo let\u2019s break this down.\r\n

\r\n

Key Takeaways<\/h3>\r\n(1) The first step in synthesis is to have at least two texts (also known as sources). \u00a0Sometimes, your instructor will provide these texts for you. Other times, you will find them on your own through something we like to call research.\r\n\r\n(2) The second step in synthesis is reading, annotating, and analyzing the two texts. \u00a0This involves close reading, or what some like to call reading with a pen. \u00a0When you read with a pen, you are able to mark passages of significance and make notes (also called annotations) that will help you synthesize the reading later.\r\n\r\n(3) The third step in synthesis is to recognize themes or traits that these texts have in common. \u00a0How do they compare with each other based on these traits you\u2019ve recognized? \u00a0What would one author say about these themes or traits? What would the other say? \u00a0In what ways would one author disagree with the other?\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\nSo, synthesizing is just summarizing your two texts? \u00a0Um, no.\r\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\r\nSynthesizing begins with analyzing. Once you\u2019ve recognized shared traits or themes in your sources through analysis, then it is time to create your own truth from these sources. The final part of synthesizing multiple texts (and all of this must be done before you ever sit down to actually write a response or essay) is the act of creating something new through the integration of these texts or sources.\r\n\r\nFor example, if one text calls for allowing more Syrian refugees into U.S. borders and another calls for stricter restrictions on immigration from Syria, you would find your own truth about the issue, based on reading the two sources. \u00a0This \u201ctruth\u201d is essentially your thesis statement for a synthesis essay.\r\n\r\nOkay, sounds doable. \u00a0How do I practice this? \u00a0What pre-writing can I do to help lead up to a longer synthesis essay?\r\n

\r\n

Exercises<\/h3>\r\nGood question\u2026 \u00a0See the notes on the Kernel Essay<\/a>!\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n ","rendered":"

Synthesis – An Introduction With Memes<\/strong><\/p>\n

You\u2019re in a college composition course, and the first thing you\u2019re asked to do is learn how to synthesize. \u00a0What does this even meme???? \u00a0(Sorry, not sorry. \u00a0Puns are essential to learning.)<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

No, unfortunately, Frodo has nothing to do with synthesis, unless you\u2019re researching the goings-on of Middle Earth.<\/p>\n

Synthesis, in its dictionary definition, is learning how to actively engage in various texts, think critically about authors’ different perspectives, and develop our own meanings.<\/p>\n

So let\u2019s break this down.<\/p>\n

\n

Key Takeaways<\/h3>\n

(1) The first step in synthesis is to have at least two texts (also known as sources). \u00a0Sometimes, your instructor will provide these texts for you. Other times, you will find them on your own through something we like to call research.<\/p>\n

(2) The second step in synthesis is reading, annotating, and analyzing the two texts. \u00a0This involves close reading, or what some like to call reading with a pen. \u00a0When you read with a pen, you are able to mark passages of significance and make notes (also called annotations) that will help you synthesize the reading later.<\/p>\n

(3) The third step in synthesis is to recognize themes or traits that these texts have in common. \u00a0How do they compare with each other based on these traits you\u2019ve recognized? \u00a0What would one author say about these themes or traits? What would the other say? \u00a0In what ways would one author disagree with the other?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

So, synthesizing is just summarizing your two texts? \u00a0Um, no.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Synthesizing begins with analyzing. Once you\u2019ve recognized shared traits or themes in your sources through analysis, then it is time to create your own truth from these sources. The final part of synthesizing multiple texts (and all of this must be done before you ever sit down to actually write a response or essay) is the act of creating something new through the integration of these texts or sources.<\/p>\n

For example, if one text calls for allowing more Syrian refugees into U.S. borders and another calls for stricter restrictions on immigration from Syria, you would find your own truth about the issue, based on reading the two sources. \u00a0This \u201ctruth\u201d is essentially your thesis statement for a synthesis essay.<\/p>\n

Okay, sounds doable. \u00a0How do I practice this? \u00a0What pre-writing can I do to help lead up to a longer synthesis essay?<\/p>\n

\n

Exercises<\/h3>\n

Good question\u2026 \u00a0See the notes on the Kernel Essay<\/a>!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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