Preparing for your dissertation
12
-
Upload
monica-fernandes -
Category
Documents
-
view
220 -
download
2
description
Preparing for your dissertation
Transcript of Preparing for your dissertation
Preparing for your History dissertation
Monica Fernandes
ASK Academic Skills
Objectives
Prepare for a great dissertation by… • Choosing a topic you like • Managing your time • Reading critically and actively • Managing your materials • Talking to people about your topic
Choose a topic that interests you
• Don’t choose a topic you kind of like or completely loath
• Challenge yourself and take this opportunity to learn more.
Timing is everything!
• To do well in your dissertation, you need DISCIPLINE….
• plan your project before you start writing up your findings
• Plan each stage of your research
• Set aside time for editing and proofreading
• Also set time aside to check your references!
How is this different from your writing process?
E.B. White writing in his boathouse http://27.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ll98eoGxlw1qhn55co1_500.jpg
Find a good place to work and the best time of day
Read actively and critically.
• Active reading
– referring to making notes of your readings… jotting down ideas, authors.
• Start with general readings… – This will give you clues about your work…key
words, etc.
• Critical reading
– question everything you read and your sources
Keep your materials under control
• Organise your written notes
• Create a working bibliography
• ‘Dissertation diary’
Talk about your project...
• This will help you make the best use of the time with your supervisor.
• Practice communicating ideas
Chat forums
Seminars
Friends Social media
Uni. colleagues
Lecturers
Public talks
Last tips
• Don’t underestimate the size of the project
• Keep reading and writing
• Good planning = lower levels of procrastination
Next year
More detailed workshops related to your dissertation will be available to you. These will cover aspects such as
– Literature reviews
– Methodologies
– Ethical considerations
Guessing game… who are these people and what can you tell me about them?
For more help…
• Contact: [email protected]
• Or see me during my consultation times at MJ 234 on: – Monday 11:00-12:00 or
– Wednesday 14:00-15:00
• For more info about events or seminars follow me on Twitter...@ASKPolHist
