theregalrenegade

fly guy

Hey thanks, sandyvanb! Studying texts used in the classes taught by the people on your committee makes complete sense. I'm going to start drawing up my list with those so I have something to show my advisor when we meet.

I'm about a semester away from writing my comp exam for my MA in history. I've read through the graduate handbook and will be discussing this with my advisor, but I thought I'd ask around for the types of books that make up an exam list? Do we include all the books from the classes we've taken, or just classes relevant to our field? Do we satisfy our advisor and second chair (the only ones who ask questions on the exam)? Or do we make an effort to broaden our scope? Can we include books we've never formally studied for a class, but like, or think relevant? Do we include pure theory or method texts? Just curious what people who have taken the exams did or what others who will be taking them will do.

Funny, I just saw that book advertised in the AHR and looked it up. It does look fascinating. I'll have to throw it into the mix. Thanks for the heads-up. I'm trying to formulate a master's thesis topic within 18th century imperial history - so far my advisor is steering me towards looking at ideologies of British empire and rights discourse hoping that some of the books will strike my fancy.

We read Hochschild's Bury the Chains in my human rights discourse class. It was a great read!

The question should be what am I not reading at the moment...would be a much shorter list! ;-) But some of my favorites so far... Pleasures of the Imagination: English Culture in the Eighteenth Century - John Brewer The Island Race: Englishness, Empire, and Gender in the Eighteenth Century - Kathleen Wilson The Monk - Matthew Lewis A Turn to Empire - Jennifer Pitts Civilizing Subjects - Catherine Hall Shaftesbury and the Culture of Politeness - Lawrence Klein Ok and maybe some H.P. Lovecraft for when I just need to get out of my head.

I think that loans for ANY degrees, especially English, History, etc. should be totally forgiven if the student plans to stay in education. People who want to teach (ANY level) should have some practical incentive to become educators and alleviate their debt. It would encourage our educators to seek better options than trying to go at it cheaply because they know the pay for teachers is so low. I know it's not that simple, but I think the idea is worth looking into.

Uni-ball Signo Rollergel Medium point Yes, they sometimes have ink gaps and can smudge if too wet, but besides generic Bics that write well in notebook and porous texts, they are my pen of choice. :-)

Technically, I have four classes this semester, though one is a mere one credit class we're required to take for the dept (and should have been taken my first semester, but wasn't offered at the time). In history, we have a LOT of work, mostly reading, papers and sometimes exams. Since I'm interested in cultural history, I'm also taking an art history class and an english class dealing with topics in my research field. In addition, I have a history colloquium. I've had packed schedules before, but this semester is pretty harried. And because I had to take out loans, I'm required to keep 9 credits to receive the full amount. Ugh. My history classes are always incredibly difficult. The concepts and analysis required of us is sometimes overwhelming, as well as understanding the jargon and issues of the field. I'm hoping one day this will come easier to me, but I'm constantly pushing myself to think differently and on a more advanced level. I have big papers to write for three classes and though we've already submitted topics and bibliographies, I know it will be frantic these last two months. I don't think the classes get more difficult as you go through graduate school, I think you just learn how to read, study, analysis, and prioritize the work. It's a process. I often get discouraged, but I continue to push through and think about my thesis and my PhD goals and try to reignite the excitement level. I'd say be grateful they are harder than you thought. It means you will be challenged and work harder. Also, the work load may fluctuate semester to semester. Hang in there :-)

roman chair

I totally feel you on this, woolfie. I'm a Masters student in with all levels of PhDs. Those PhD students not only have a firm grasp of every text we read, but they reference other authors, methodology, and still manage to throw in brilliant insights on top of all that. I sit there wondering how I'm ever going to get through this. I feel inadequate most of the time. I know I'm intelligent, but everyone else seems to be on a much higher level than me. A big part of the problem is that I'm a writer, not a speaker. I have a hard time expressing myself in front of fellow classmates or professors because I'm incredibly intimidated and all intelligent thought seems to go out the door when I open my mouth. I struggle for the right words and get obviously nervous. Unfortunately, in history, discussion is not only necessary in class, it's a huge part of your grade. It's also extremely important in teaching, conferences, and general presentations. My advisor told me after a couple classes that I need to talk more. I have big dreams of going overseas to the UK for my PhD so I knew I needed to do something about my skills and this feeling of inadequacy. I joined my university's Toastmasters chapter, started grad counseling, and decided to force myself to talk more in class. It's scary, nerve-wracking, and hard, hard, work every single day. I'm still working through it all, but I'm engaging more in class. I'm not Miss Eloquent - yet - but I speak, no matter what. And it IS getting better and I'm hopeful. My advice - just keep at it. Plug away and know that others are feeling the same way. It should get better, but you do have to put in the work and find the necessary support.

Great site!

Young American

I say don't do it unless you LOVE it. No matter what happens in grad school, my research, my relationships, etc...I still LOVE academics and I get excited knowing I get to do what I really want to be doing every day. There will always be periods of self-doubt, hard times, and stress, but deep down this is who I am what I enjoy. And if it never makes me any real money, oh well. You only live once.

I second your decision to ask your professor if he has read the draft. He probably has and either got too busy to respond or forgot completely about getting back to you. If he hasn't read it, another email may light a fire under him to do it. I see nothing wrong with following up...multiple times.

Definitely crossing the line. One of my professors found out I was on loans and was concerned, but it just made him more active in helping to find me alternative funding (like GA/TA-ships outside the dept. etc). He didn't reprimand me or push me for information about other students. Also, I can see being concerned about her health issues, even so much as checking up on her more often to make sure everything's okay. But to harp on it, not cool. I agree with ktel - time for a new advisor.

whale watching

You're not alone!~ Though I'm in history, I totally understand how you feel, M. I'm constantly reading (and saving to my TBR pile) articles and reviews in my field. It does seem like a never ending and sometimes futile pursuit. Similar to Xarqin, a couple of academic blogs suggest reading an article or review a day - take a few notes on it - then file it away. I've tried to keep to this plan, but sometimes I have to read other larger works that take over any time I had for the other stuff. I say just try to carve out 15-30 minutes first thing in the morning, or before bed, or while on the exercise bike, etc. to read over something that either sparks your interest or is relevant to new research in your field.

Yo Mama

Wow! Thank you for all the information. The specific college info is really helpful. The potential professor I'd like to work is at Emmanuel College, but I just recently learned that you don't necessarily have to reside in the same college that your supervisor is in. It's nice to hear how it all went down. I'm assuming when you say you contacted your supervisor in the summer, it was last summer (2010) and you sent in your application last year as well? The fall term starts in October, right? I'll definitely send a message or two as I think of more questions. Yes, please keep us updated on your experience!

Congratulations!! How exciting for you!! What college did you decide upon? Did they end up giving you accommodation? (I'm not trying to be nosy, just curious how it all works and what to expect when I apply ) That's great that you'll have people you know there in the same situation.

I'm sorry, I must have misunderstood your year! Even so, you aren't behind at all. I agree with Sparky - you have everything you need for a great graduate application. Just focus on making this year a good one. *and thank you!

I think you are way ahead of most students going into their sophomore year. IMO, you have an outstanding chance of getting into an MA program at most colleges. I know very little about the schools you're looking at and I'm not in environmental history, but in general, your GREs will probably be just fine as well as your grades. Keep aiming to bump up your GPA in history and cultivate as many relationships with professors that you can. As far as already presenting at conferences and having an upcoming internship - congratulations! This experience will make your graduate application shine! It's great that you are so enthusiastic about graduate school so soon into your studies.Just don't burn out or overwhelm yourself trying to over-prep. You're already on the right track. Keep up the good work and enjoy your college experience!

Lebanese Red Lentil and Green Collard Stew Ingredients 3 tablespoons olive oil 1/2 onion, chopped 1 tablespoon salt 1 cup dry red lentils, rinsed and drained 4 cups water (a couple more if you want it thin) 1 bunch collard greens - rinsed, stemmed and thinly sliced (feel free to add a cup of diced zucchini if you wish) 1 tablespoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 2 tablespoons minced garlic Lemon juice to taste Directions Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat, stir in onion and salt; cook until softened and translucent, about 4 minutes. Stir in lentils, and cook for 1 minute. Pour in water, then bring to a boil over high heat, then turn heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the lentils are tender, about 15-20 minutes. (Eat a couple to test) Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add collard greens, and cook until wilted, about 10 minutes. When the lentils are tender, stir in the collard greens and season with cumin, cinnamon, and garlic; allow to simmer 5-10 more minutes. Add lemon juice to each serving as needed. (It really finishes off the dish!) I usually put this over quinoa, or couscous. It makes a great, hearty meal and the leftovers keep forever. As a vegetarian I'm always looking for unique meals to add to my collection. I found this on allrecipes dot com and it's one of my favorites.

Just wanted to chime in and say "great posts" to everyone! This has been quite the inspiring thread. When I finally get out there and have to live frugally on whatever stipend/fellowship/loan/etc I can get I'll be sure to use some of these tips. @bumperharvest - You're so lucky that you learned how to sew. I love clothes as well and I worry about taking some of my "nicer" things due to not being able to dry clean, launder, or mend. But I'm sure I'll be doing a lot of delicate sink washing and ironing. I'm also a vegetarian, so wherever I end up, I hope they have a co-op where I can get a fresh veggie box. Good luck to you on your upcoming year and keep us posted. Keep the suggestions rolling in everyone!