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Academic Writing

This section of my portfolio is dedicated to the academic writing that I have completed throughout my undergraduate career. The writing samples included below explore a range of styles, purposes, and interests all of which build my identity as a writer. Enjoy!

Theatrical Research

Dec. 2022

This research paper was written for  a World Theatre History course where we were asked to investigate any theatrical tradition or practice prior to the 18th century. I choose  to study the history of performance tradition in the indigenous Taino communities. This paper explores how  colonization left a lasting impact on the biases  prevalent in written histories, especially those of extinct ethnic identities.

The goal of my writing to was a deeper understanding of the  theatrical practices and traditions of the Taino people, which I  was interested in a Puerto Rican theatre practitioner, and create context for revealing how  post-Columbus history favors Anglo narratives. 

Art for 
Social Justice

Feb. 2022

This research paper was written for ENC2135  when we were tasked to pursue  a research-based investigation  of an topic of our choosing. I choose to conduct my research on the history of puppetry as an art form  and how it developed into a tool for activism and social justice. My choice of subject was inspired by my love of Sesame Street and the use of art as a diverse educational resource for early childhood development. 

This paper  was one of my most exciting research opportunities because I am fascinated by the use of art as a conduit for enacting social change  and I think it is important to contextualize the  identity of the arts beyond a means for entertainment. 

Close Reading

Feb. 2023

This paper performs a close reading of reggaeton sensation Call 13's song 'Latinoamerica', discussing the rhetorical strategies that are used in lyrics  that establish cultural identity and build the themes and messages of the  anthem. 

I included this  piece in my writing samples because it shows a different genre of writing and skillsets outside of conducting research. It also shows that the functions of close reading and rhetorical analysis don't need to limited to traditional media (poems, literature, etc.) and applying those skills to the analysis of other forms of art and media aid in understanding the subtexts of influential factors in popular culture.  

Media Comparison

May 2023

This paper is a comparison essay that analyzes the difference between the stage and screen adaptations of Lin Manuel-Miranda's In the Heights. The purpose of this paper was to reveal cultural commentary and truths regarding the immigrant and Latin American experience in the United States. 

This paper is a prime  example of the way in which I pursue my interests through my writing and research. I enjoy finding ways to write about theatre and the arts  with a identity-based perspective, revealing the complex intersectionalities of marginalized communities as they are represented in art and media. 
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