ToomuchLes

When I read "Black Rice" I did not read it as a history book. In the preface, she acknowledges several influential historians, and colleagues that charted her work towards more of a historical analysis than what she is normally used to. I am a big fan of Jared Diamond's "Guns, Germs, and Steel." He amazing takes a vast historical period, and provide a foundation of historical watersheds (keyword: foundation). For a historian, it would be much more difficult to incorporate 2-3 centuries of history into a single book (without, of course, making it extremely long) because he has more historical tools in his disposal. I think, if someone wants more out of Carney's book, they should read the books she refers to in her preface. One of these books is "Rice and Slaves: Ethnicity & the Slave Trade in Colonial S. Carolina." The book is definitely dated. It was published in 1991. Unfortunately, I haven’t read it but I think I will be much more satisfied from Daniel Littlefield's study. Honestly, I did feel that Carney's book was ... I dont know how else to put it ... short. I remember thinking "thats it?" after I read it. Nevertheless, I do not want to denigrate Carney's or Diamond's work. “Black Rice” is a book I've read several times because it introduces general themes and ideas. I believe, if Carney was a historian and she did something similar, the book would be three times as big, much more comprehensive (thats for sure), but of course, really esoteric to non-historians. I think thats why Diamond's book was (is?) so popular. Regarding the whole "boys club" issue, I dont see it as a "boys club" thing but rather a "history club/club for historians." As a result of her specialized discipline, I definitely think its appropriate to scrutinize her historical study. It sounds like she took it personal when she made the "boy club" comment =/ but i havent heard that before. I havent heard of Gomez's "Reversing Sail" but I'll definitely check it out! =D (I've heard of the author tho)

I like it! I got a good laugh out of it.

Haha. Thanks! I posted on the results page, but I didnt say anything on this thread. Both IU's and Rice's DGS informed me that they'll email me decisions in the next few weeks. I should have a good idea if I'm going to grad school by the end of next week. Im reeeeally leaning towards that MA from IU. The move is going to be expensive, but they mentioned a few funding opportunities. I think getting a MA would be good for me.

@ashiepoo72, I emailed the DGS at IU two weeks ago, which is how I found out my current status. I will probably email UT Austin & UCSB this week.

Hopefully, some news will arrive sooner than later

Completely off-topic What do you call a book composed of entirely primary sources? Years back, I bought a book with copied reproductions of speeches, letters and journal entries made by Lajos Kossuth, a Hungarian-revolutionist that came to the US in 1850. I guess an equivalent to this "book" would be "Our Word is our Weapon" by Subcommandate Marcos, which has most of his speeches, and writings compiled into a single book. Heres the amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/Our-Word-Weapon-Selected-Writings/dp/158322663X EDIT: The difference between Marcos' "book" and the one I have about Kossuth is that Marcos' book was published. The Kossuth "book" was never published, and has no cover (its entirely black). I dont know if my description is helpful X.X

Eric Foner is definitely awesome. I've only read "Free Soil, Free Labor, Free Men: The Ideology of the Republican Party Before the Civil War," but Im sure I have 1-2 of his books "wish-listed" on my amazon account.

Hey HistoryGypsy, I have a whole bookcase full of great books about 19th c. America! Ok... So if you want a complete history about the events leading up to the Civil War, I recommend Pulitzer Winner "The Impending Crisis" by David Potter. It doesnt dwell too far into the past, and focuses more on the 19th century. Its a great, easy and very entertaining read! Potter really connects all pertinent events, leading up to the war, into a fine web that can be easily understood, even by a layperson. If you want a more complete history of slavery, then I suggest "Inhuman Bondage" by David Brion Davis. Davis' book is absolutely mind blowing since he goes back to the very very beginning of slavery in Babylon. He provides an excellent foundation for why slavery existed (socially, religiously, and politically). Another great book is by Wilma King "Stolen Childhood: Slave Youth in 19th century America." King does something similar, by providing a historical foundation of the events that precipitated the rise of the domestic slave trade, and in part, led up to slave family divisions and adolescent slavery. Speaking of the domestic slave trade, "Carry Me Back" by Steven Deyle is another fantastic book! He focuses more on comparative slavery, and the economic rational of slave owners in the 1820-60s. I also highly recommend Abraham Lincoln's biography, written by Lord Charnwood. "Black Rice" by Judith Carney is about the history of rice, and the rice industry in S.Carolina. Another easy read that I very much enjoyed. "Drawn with the Sword" by James McPherson is a compilation of essays that talk alittle about everything, from Southern Exceptionalism, Uncle Tom's Cabin, the war itself, and Reconstruction. Finally, if you havent seen the movie or read the book yet, check out "Killer Angels" by Michael Shaara. Its a fun historical-fiction novel. EDIT: Another great book is "Life of Johnny Reb" by Bell Irvine Wiley. The book provides an excellent portrait of Confederate soldiers during the war. Let me know if you're looking for something specific.

IU is only admitting 10 applicants out of ~150 applicants this year

I did something similar last year, when I was introducing myself to POIs. Before our phone/skype conversation, I made a list of questions that I couldnt find answers to. I asked about TA-ships, if the stipend was livable, department politics, placement records (most programs published it on their website), and if I could contact 1-2 of their grad students for further questions. Some POIs were really helpful, and very honest! Others were more hesitant. From my experiences, in order to get the right answer you have to ask the right question. One of my POIs warned me about the current financial problems the department was facing, and I don't think she would have told me if I didn't ask specific questions. I think (and this is what I will do), once an applicant is admitted and offered a financial package, the applicant should contact his/her POI, and if possible, a handful of grad students in the department. Ask them pertinent questions that you might effect your time in the program. There are also websites that offer an insight on the living experience and expenses within a particular city/town. For Blooming, IN, Ive been following the weather on my phone. I've also looked at rentals on zillow and craigslist, living expenses on numbeo, and the cost of moving. You can find the answers to some of these questions online. ...I dont know how I feel about the weather at IU now. In the evenings, its usually a single digit and sometimes in the negatives EDIT: About contacting the DGS, I think maybe it would be best to contact your POI instead, since you already have an established relationship with them. I dont think you should contact them now if they havent accepted you. I mean, theres no real point in researching a city that you "might" live in, but asking questions about the department is definitely a MUST

I think contacting POI should be part of the application process. On top of what you said, its important to know where your POI's scholarly interests reside nowadays. I noticed alot of my POIs do not (or maybe the administration) update their department online profiles. I believe its important to see if your research interests align with your POIs current ones. Likewise, they might recommend a better POI at a different school, or in the same department. In addition, I think its polite to introduce yourself via a personalized email. I feel like it makes a big difference when they examine your application, and it establishes a potential work relationship down the road. I was rejected from UCI, but my POI still told me to keep in contact with her, cause down the road, we'll eventually bump into each other.

Hmm... It looks like Im still under review at Rice. I got an email from a POI informing me that they are looking at my application and that most rejections have been sent. I have a similar situation with IU. They demoted me to the MA program, but its totally cool cause they said they "will help provide funding opportunities during my MA program." Also, at IU, "Only a few spaces are open, and you are next in line for admission." Im not exactly sure how to react to this news... My fingers are still crossed Congrats to all admits! Lets finish this month with a plethora of acceptance letters, cheesecake, and positive thoughts of our future!

So true

I got an email from the DGS at IU. He said decisions will be made in the next few weeks, so we (IU applicants) shouldnt hold our breaths for a response this week.

Wow! How dramatic. Now you have a fun story to tell people lol Congratz KBHistorian!

Im with you, JTE. I feel like Im in purgatory

@ashiepoo72, How did you find out you were accepted to UCSB? I could be blind, but I dont see a place to check my application status. When I log in, there are two tabs - Application Sections and Department Communications. I presume you received an official letter under the latter tab? EDIT: @KBHistorian, It sounds like the history department is considering accepting you, so now they passed along your application to the graduate department and now theyre processing your application

What do you guys think about teaching english abroad, or working with an NGO, if I were to get rejected from all schools this year? Can that improve an application?

And to think that earlier today I was complaining about the light rain and fog ...

"We're the U.S government, anything is legal" ~MacArthur "..f*** yeah..." ~FDR I got such a good laugh out of that scene EDIT: Congratz scirefaciat!

I just watched a few clips of "FDR: American Badass" and omg... SO FUNNY! I definitely need to find a copy and watch the whole thing

Hahaha Thanks ashiepoo72! Im alittle bit happy for my acceptance to U of Missouri. If anyone is familiar with Dr. Wilma King's work, shes one of the earliest scholars to study adolescent slavery, which is exactly my area. But I dont know how I feel about moving to Missouri for only a MA =X (Im thinking more along the lines of $$$)

<-- one of the fallen in the Duke massacre

LOL EDIT: I was raised in LA county, and in the last 14 years, I never experienced an earthquake or a fire that resulted in canceled school days. =(