This
semester, my group members and I researched the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria
(ISIS). For our first blog post, we gave a general overview of ISIS and
provided pertinent background information that would aid readers in understanding
ISIS’ goals. In the second blog post, we analyzed the role of women in ISIS specifically
the recruiting of women to the organization (often internationally). The third
blog post dealt with ISIS’ finances. We discussed their sources of income, such
as oil sales (from the stolen oil refineries) and extortion. Finally, our
fourth blog post examined ISIS’ usage of social media to recruit potential
soldiers as well as their war tactics (kidnapping and extortion primarily).
My group and I would discuss potential topic ideas and narrow it
down to three related subjects. We would then assign two people to a topic, and
they would then summarize and analyze each topic. I primarily researched my
subject matter online, specifically sources like The Guardian and BBC as they
provided more coverage and more detailed reporting compared to other news
outlets. We shared our research and work on Google Docs. This was helpful as it
allowed us to edit and communicate easily.
Beginning this semester, I had a very basic knowledge of ISIS
and their motivations and international presence. However, having this
opportunity to research and write on specific topics (like their online
presence and the growing role of women) allowed me to analyze ISIS and their
influence globally. I really enjoyed going in-depth and found ISIS, but also
the Middle East, fascinating. This, in turn, prompted me to further research
the Middle East, which eventually culminated in my changing my minor to Middle
Eastern Studies. In relation to my group, I learned how to effectively manage
my time and make sure my share of work was done in a timely fashion.
No comments:
Post a Comment