Soroush Sharafzadeh

My graduation project focused on my potential in the comedic industry, with the end of creating a Stand=Up comedy script. I decided to work with David Geary, a professor at Capilano University that supervised my first tutorial, which was to create a script for a sitcom comedy pilot. The project was to research the origins/history of Stand-Up comedy, analyze current comedy specials, and produce an adequate script to be read in front of a live audience. The process of developing the script following the preliminary assignment was grueling and challenging. However, with help from David, countless hours spent watching comedy specials, and information from preliminary assignments I was able to persevere and develop three separate drafts. The final draft had approximately 6,000 words and related to experiences I had in school going all the way back to kindergarten.

Some of the preliminary research done for the graduation project was reading Yearbook by Vancouver actor and comedian Seth Rogan and reading The Comic Toolbox: How to be Funny Even If You’re not by John Vorhaus, analyzing Netflix specials by established artists such as Bill Burr, and watching live local comedy events at bars and clubs. The bulk of preliminary research allowed me time to prepare myself when it came to completing each subsequent draft.

The experience was fulfilling, managing work and my third tutorial was a bit challenging but I truly feel as though I got the most out of this graduation project. I got sick on three separate occasions, which evidently allowed me to spend time focusing solely on the graduation project but was challenging, nonetheless. Originally, the plan was to perform the script in front of a live audience to some capacity, unfortunately the prolonged nature of creating the script and other complications (such as Coronavirus) made the idea of performing the routine unrealistic.

Perhaps more time could have been spent on preparation for what it takes to perform Stand-Up comedy (such as acting, improv, script memorization) but I’m happy with the body of work completing and look forward to performing at some point, during post- graduation.

I’d like to dedicate the final portion of this post thanking all of Capilano University staff and colleagues that have aided me on my journey, I couldn’t have done it without you. The experiences I’ve had at the university are more fulfilling than I could have ever imagined, and I finally feel that I’m ready to make the next steps in my life and career moving forward. It’s been a long nine years, which was longer than I expected, but despite the hurdles that came way I was able to persevere and I wouldn’t change a thing.

Whether or not it involves performing, I do believe I have potential in the comedic industry. The next logical step would be to get myself and my work out there to be properly critique and scrutinized, in hopes in create new connections to those who believe in me and my work.

Regards,

Soroush Sharafzadeh

For my third and final tutorial at Capilano University, I wanted to create a survey study that examined anti-vaccination attitudes. I threw the emerging idea out to a few professors that I was fortunate enough to have classes with early in the summer of 2021. Originally, I knew I wanted this tutorial to include the notion of COVID-19, a deadly virus which continues to grow as a phenomenon all over the world, but I wasn’t sure what exactly the tutorial would consist of. By the time the tutorial was in full swing, vaccinations became available; so naturally my study shifted focus solely to vaccinations and eventually factors that may predict anti-vaccination attitudes. I was happy to work alongside Douglas W Alards-Tomalin, a professor who taught me statistics for social sciences. It seemed only fitting that for my final tutorial I didn’t take any shortcuts and got the assignment approved through the Capilano University Research Ethics Board. By the end of the assignment, being taught how to use applications to use some of the forgotten statistics that help illustrate the value of our study, was probably my favourite part. Although it cannot quite be included in the self-reflection, I’m excited to attempt getting my article published- leading to even greater experience from the tutorial.

                Overall, this tutorial was an exceptionally experience. I got to witness firsthand how critical recruitment and ethical research considerations must be when conducting a study of this nature. Participant data security is very important and must be dealt with in a precautionary manner. I completed this tutorial while also working on my graduation project and getting trained in a new occupation, which meant that meeting deadlines was another very important factor throughout the tutorial experience. The topic nature was very relevant, but also controversial and potentially sensitive; navigating these notions while also finishing the necessary work was at times difficult but another important lesson to consider. It was very nice to touch back to some of the statistical models and formulas that need to be used in social sciences such as psychology; it was great being able to use an application which contributing to analyzing our data in a professional and user-friendly manner. Having dealt with the participant questions through email and funding the projecting through my own means helped accelerate the process forward. For any individuals who decided to partake in my study and wanted a summary, I will not post any of the results on this self-reflection. Feel free to send me an email at soroushsharafzadeh@my.capilanou.ca for a short summary of the results. Thank you for everyone that helped make this tutorial experience possible.

Best,

Soroush

This PDF file contains my research regarding an upcoming tutorial opportunity for the summer of 2019 at Capilano University. I’m interested in completing a screenwriting project with a faculty member of the University. The file is a literature review regarding three resources I gathered, hoping to guide my through this process. The resources are in alphabetical order from “crowdsourcing” to “How-to techniques” to “Script writing creativity”. The file contains further information regarding the details of my tutorial as well as potential future tutorials and the faculty members who may be involved.

LBST 330 – Final Assignment for First Tutorial

This segment of the book written by Lisa Tuhiwai Smith criticizes previous and modern research methods and concepts as methodized “colonization” as it leaves out indigenous ways of interpretation. It must be noted that her views do not appear to be anti-research and might just be a way to inspire future indigenous researchers. The chapter we read capture the methodized and perceptual colonization of various methods: Cultural formations of western research, Intersections of race and gender, conceptualizations of the individual and society, conceptions of space, and conceptions of time. In the final passage of “conceptions of time” Smith states, “Research ‘through imperial eyes’ describes an approach which assumes that Western ideas about the most fundamental things are the only ideas possible to hold, certainly the only rational ideas, and the only ideas which can make sense of the world, of reality, of social life and of human beings. It is an approach to indigenous peoples which still conveys a sense of innate superiority and an overabundance of desire to bring progress into the lives of indigenous peoples – spiritually, intellectually, socially and economically” (Smith, pg 56). Smith declares that some indigenous contemporary researchers consider this to be racist; but in order to reach a conclusion about her statements we must more specifically consider in more detail the ways she finds research demeaning towards indigenous people.

Smith discusses how in the 18^th and 19^th century Christian ideologies imposed a ton of emphasis over research, “Although eighteenth- and nineteenth-century forms of colonization brought Christian beliefs about the soul and human morality to indigenous peoples, these concepts were discussed in Western traditions prior to Christianity. Christianity, when organized into a system of power, brought to bear on these basic concepts a focus of systematic study and debate which could then be used to regulate all aspects of social and spiritual life” (Smith, pg 48-49). There are some mentions of the “other” throughout Smith’s assessments, claiming that the other is shaped by a western gaze leaving out indigenous interpretations of the other. I think it’s important to try and motivate future indigenous contemporaries to believe that they do have a say in various research conceptualizations; and in order to do so we need to make sure the work we produce does not negatively influence future indigenous researchers. Our definition of “the other” must remain as an authentic individual that possess traits from all different types of people in our society; we mustn’t ignore or misrepresent minority and indigenous citizens from that perspective.

Smith’s interpretation of the cultural impacts imposed by research methodologies creates important insight for the considerations I have to make for my own independent research projects and tutorials. I do not believe its possible for an individual to conduct their research in a way that makes everyone happy; when we make statements there is bound to be certain ideologies that we may represent and various members of certain minorities that disagree. However, it is important to keep this in mind and to conduct our tutorials and projects as objectively as we can, in terms of the ideologies that are best represented in our society. Stereotypes are usually perceptualized by media; on various advertisements and TV shows we see minority groups being portrayed by various traits and characteristics that are oversimplified and simply fallacious. In fact, some of the most beloved characters and people are those who do not fit into these ordinary stereotypes; those who transcend their unique nature and find creative ways to exemplify their persona. When considering my screen writing tutorial; I want to create characters that stand out from a certain uniqueness of their character and description; rather than perceptualizing the gross amount of stereotypes we witness today.

It seems that there are currently not enough ingenious role models in our society; whether academically or in media. I was happy to read Smith’s perspective regarding the various ways in which western methodology and research forgets and isolates her people; it was something I had not considered prior the reading and presentation, we must finite the details of our projects by considering the various points brought out of Smith’s book. This chapter included very detailed descriptions of how western thinking left out various cultural interpretations of Aboriginal people; Linda brilliantly illustrated her point and showed various historical narratives and practices that further created the divide between our people. The perceptual colonization by western ideologies is an interesting observation; which needs to be considered and perhaps further studied to be viewed as a fundamental aspect of research studies.

The film Arrival has various correlations with Gadamer’s concepts of “play” and “genuine dialogue”. Throughout the film the protagonist, a language expert named Louise and a physicist named Ian are the only characters willing to engage in genuine dialogue with the Heptapods (the mysterious aliens of the film). At the beginning of the film there is an important exchange between Louise and Ian debating the cornerstone of civilization. Louise believes language is the cornerstone of civilization- while Ian believes its science; it could be argued that without language our ability to engage scientific endeavors would be hindered or halted all together. There are various factors throughout the film that that disrupt Louise and Ian’s ability to engage in genuine dialogue with the Heptapods. For a more direct comparison between the course materials, the Heptapods could be easily considered as the “other”. The armies’ job is protecting its citizens; unfortunately, they are under immense pressure to act once there is even the slightest notion of danger; we can see these tensions at various times throughout the film; and despite being rational to a degree the army without a doubt disrupts Louise and Ian’s ability to engage in this genuine dialogue.  The media also plays a role in channeling fear into the citizens; which also increases pressure for the army, which further disrupts our protagonist’s ability. Gadamer’s notion of “play” is also vividly represented at one main point of the film. After Louise is struggling to gain any progress in communicating with the “other” she decides to take of her safety suit; risking contamination hoping to gain progress in a more creative and bold way. By taking off her suit she is able to progressively impact her relationship with the “other” by leaving herself open and vulnerable.

 

At first, I struggled to understand how the film was going to affect my various tutorial proposals. However, one notion that was expressed throughout the film that I realized could definitely impact my proposals can be called “outside factors”.  These outside factors can be viewed as any sort of disruption that affects my ability to successfully perform my tutorial. In the film, the outside factors that disrupt Louise and Ian’s ability to engage in genuine dialogue is the army and media tensions. Although there may not be something as specific that may disrupt my tutorials there is always different type of disruption that can get in the way of any specific project. The outside factors I might face in my tutorials could be financial constraints and competition from other writers. Another way this film could help my progress in tutorials is by changing the way I view language as more than just a tool of communication. When script writing it’s important to carefully choose the words and expressions as cleverly and effectively as you can. This type of careful measure can correlate nicely to Gadamer’s notion of “play”; if we allow ourselves room for error we can progress our material in a more creative way, similar to how Banks was able to see the “other” in a new way and open up a new world.

In order for me to adapt to the new material discovered in Arrival I need to anticipate possible disruptions that I may face when attempting my tutorials before I may have to approach them. Financial constraints and a high degree of competition from rival writers may not be as severe as military protocol and media pressure faced by the doctors in the film; however, from my perspective they could be just as challenging. By anticipating and preparing for various disruptions, I have the ability to plan out strategies on how to deal with them well before I encounter them. When dealing with competition, learning about Gadamer’s notion of “play” I well attempt to progressively complete my product as uniquely and effectively as I can- to separate myself from various competitors.

There were a few common themes I realized between Vilhauer’s paper and Ruspoli’s film on various philosophers/professionals. The most striking similarity is when flamingo master and poet Manuel Molina is referring to his guitar. He claims that playing a guitar is more like have authentic dialogue with it; which is a major part of Vilhauer’s paper when considering the works of Gadamer, “being a participant in genuine dialogue-play with the other is crucial for what it means to be a human being, or to live a fully human life” (Vilhauer, 82-83). The were also notions of “dominance and conquering” which perhaps contrasted from the film and book. When considering Plato’s dialogue for conquering in which we must objectify the other, the writer claims that this isn’t genuine dialogue. However, in the film we see conquerors throughout history and their help towards human progress. There are also various notions of existentialism and living an authentic human life in both works. The film had a lot of mention of Heidegger; who is a huge figure in the existential theme; Gardener in the story uses very similar phrases and writing style to Heidegger, at times the “other” in the paper can be seen similarly “Dasein” in some of Heidegger’s works. In the film, Molina refers to how technology and life are created by different materials; this is another existential theme in which various philosophers criticize the current human’s obsession with technology. Gadamer’s reflection of “play” can be compared greatly by the various philosophers in the film. When referring to athletes who of course play within confided rules of their respective sport, those who see things in a proficient and creative way usually are able to dominate and change the landscape of the game. We can see these reconstructive and creative process throughout various facets of life including music, art, film, and even various sciences/social sciences alike.

In terms of how the paper reflects upon my own future fields of research: existentialism teaches us the importance of a human’s progress as well as our purpose in life. A lot of people work jobs in order to secure their lives; however, a lot of people spend their money on materialistic endeavors which I believe Heidegger would view as inauthentic. I believe it would be most satisfying to work in a field that you are truly passionate about, it’s one of the best ways to motivate yourself into truly accomplishing your life goals. If you’re passionate about the field you work in and study, it would be easier to work within an open dialogue with that field; similar to the way Gadamer states we must have open dialogue with the “other”. Heidegger refers to objects as having existence (used for a purpose), while humans have essence (something with and indispensable or abstract property). In terms of my own specific proposals, Gadamer’s notion of “play” which can be interpreted as the room one needs to carry their task in an audacious fashion; to be unafraid in committing errors for the sake of aggressive and creative endeavor. Those who “see” things differently (quoting back to Berger) have the ability to drastically the change the landscape in their respective field of expertise. During my tutorials I can use this bold notion of fearless research and creative film making to vastly separate myself from the various competitors in my field. Whether or not I succeed in a professional setting may be my ability to differentiate myself, and at the very least be unique in my efforts of trying to create my own project. It would be critically important to state that Vilhauer’s interpretation of Gadamer’s genuine dialogue and Ruspoli’s film of being in the world are not only tools to help guide me in my various tutorial projects but to also cement the importance of being a genuine human being who truly wants to make a difference in their respective field

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Linked to this post is a paper containing my fields on interest. The most noteworthy fields would be comedic writing/screenwriting, teaching abroad, and working with the mentally ill. I talk about various extra curricular experiences, various courses taken that have impacted my interests, and a few signature pieces of my university work that I believe best highlight my abilities and interests. Towards the end of the paper I suggest a few proposals that I would be interested in using in a tutorial, clarifying the details of each proposal as well as mentioning the faculty that I would like to do each tutorial with.

Fields of Interest

Berger’s first chapter in Way of Seeing includes various political, religious, and meta-physical themes that express the importance of an individual’s relationship with authentic imagery. The meta-physical aspect of Berger’s expression is how highly he regards an individual’s subjective experience with sight, “It is seeing which establishes our place in the surrounding world; we explain that world with words, but words can never undo the fact that we are surrounded by it” (Berger, 7). The political and religious factors Berger is alluding to have to do with the reproduction of authentic images. The reproduction of images takes the photo away from its original context, resurfacing in multiple different expressions (film, other forms of medias) which makes the original viewed in a different context to the viewer in sort of a cult fashion; which Berger believes is bogus.

Imagery as well as data-collection can really strengthen research from the individual’s perspective. The two proposals in my field of interest can correlate to Berger’s ideology about and individuals experience with imagery and seeing. My first proposal was to do with the ethical repercussions of current conscription methods used during modern warfare. In North America conscription is no longer a widely used practice; most war theorist would say this due to the fact that conscription not only undermines just war theories original objective “to protect a state’s citizens” but would also point back at the historical fact that conscripted soldiers tended to incredible ineffective. However, there still are countries in the world who use conscription, which results in that nations courts to be filled with legal actions buy those conscripted. I would use various methods of research to back up my arguments- which could include interviews with people who have previously dealt with conscription first hand; as well as data that observes how effective conscripted soldiers are towards the war practice. I could also use various images that show the destructive and terrible reality of war; as well as propaganda which has been reproduced (most famously the American slogan known as “I want you”).

My second proposal was to attempt to write and film a screenplay revolving around characters which you can not only hear the dialogue but also their inner thoughts throughout the film. Berger believes that certain experiences of sight can have different meanings not only to different people but throughout different times. There are various methods in film that capture hidden meanings beyond the eye of the viewer that can be captured by subtle details. Lighting on the film set can create different moods for the watcher; point of view experiences when the viewer can have an inside view from a character’s perspective. For further research on these filming tactics I could search for data corresponding to various writing and filming strategies used in modern and historical filmography. Compared to photography; filming brings more rapid content to the viewer and doesn’t allow the individual to explore the meaning in the same way that they may be able to with photographs. However, filming tactics such as camera angles, point of view experiences, and lighting have the ability to expose the viewer to hidden meanings.

I’m a Capilano University liberal arts student who has a strong interest in creative writing and philosophy. I first arrived at the university in 2012 for the business administration program. After a few semester in the program I eventually decided that I wanted to switch into liberal arts in order to have more flexibility in course selection; and to find my true academic passion that I could hopefully pursue into a career. I’ve also taken a load of psychology courses which have helped me enhance my researching capabilities and methods. Although I’m currently not interested in pursuing psychology as a career the courses have helped me have a greater insight as to how people behave and operate, which can benefit me in my personal life.

My hobbies include numerous physical activities such as: hiking, swimming, and ice hockey. I am fluent in both English and Farsi but to challenge myself I want to learn a third language, German.