smg

How are everyone's writing samples coming along? I'm cleaning up an essay from 8 years ago on depictions of indigenous people in fur trade journals. It's totally unrelated to my current project but it's what I got.

http://culturalanthr...radStmts(1).doc I was wrong it was in another thread.

I'm 32. My SOP is almost entirely a research proposal. It's not very personal. I just counted 6 sentences that are personal. I would treat the SOP more like a research proposal than a tell all autobiography. I believe there is a link in this thread to some successful SOPs. They are super helpful.

Make sure to get a good nights sleep beforehand.

I'm in the same situation. My project could easily be an STS, cultural studies or American Studies project. I just touched based with my LORs about this particular concern and was told don't sweat it you don't want to be where they care about policing what is and what isn't Anthropology.

anyone else out there wondering if there proposed project isn't sufficiently anthropological?

Fax Machines.

Sunyata shrapnel.

Damn! Busting out the ancient Buddhists!!!!

I wish.

I hate you Microsoft Word.

My SOP is essentially a research proposal. It is a document about the future but I do touch on my undergrad thesis, a research gig, my current job, shit like that. I'm still sorting out how to approach theory in my SOP. 2 of my 3 LORs think theory should be up front and prominent but not necessarily more than a nod. I'm still figuring out how to nod clearly and subtly. I am also applying to theory heavy schools with a theory heavy project. I've been told at UChicago you can easily end up reading back to St. Augustine in order to make sense of anthropology's place in western thought. I think that's pretty great. I'd read Augustine over Boas any day of the week.

If you want to work with an adjunct I would mention it. It will show that you've done research into what the university has to offer beyond the core faculty of the department you are applying to. Contacting them could be useful as far as finding out if they are even around to help in advising a project. Or o figure out what their research interests are. They might also have insights into the department culture and whatnot. Who knows? I'd contact them you have nothing to lose.

Beer or an other type of treat with a friend. If your in Toronto still, Chinese food at Buddha's (on Dundas east of Bathurst).

Why apply if they don't guarantee funding? It might make more sense to put the energy into apps for places with $$$.

10 Wow! I found 4 that fit. I'm sure I could find one or two more programs if I really wanted too. 3 out of 4 are theory heavy Anthro departments which is great and the one that isn't has a PhD emphasis that will allow me to take theory courses outside the department. I just finished my first SOP and am feeling pretty good about it. Where are you applying? Are you considering UCDavis they have an STS emphasis that looks cool.

The Quant destroyed me too.

Totally.

I've been told by multiple sources to include at least a sentence about methods.

Marx, Heidegger, Nietzsche, Shukin

99.9% sure I'm applying to 4. UCSB, UChicago, UCDavis, WUSTL. 2 public, 2 private.

I feel like it went really well. We talked research and laughed at Californians. I'm the first potential graduate student to ask about his main research interest which seemed to be greatly appreciated. I'm also guessing that it went well since I'm older (in my 30s) and he is a younger faculty member (mid 30s or early 40s tops). We've exchanged a few emails since then.

If you PM it to me I'll take a look but I know diddly squat about the Mayans and haven't done any physical anthropology or archaeology in about a decade.

I was nervous at first but overall I was chill. I was drinking beer at the time.