bodywithoutorgans

Can those accepted to UCLA name subfields?

Sorry-her book is "Vibrant Matter," not "Vital Materialisms". And she is in the Polt. Science Dept...

Check out Jane Bennett at Hopkins. Writes about interactions with nature through engagements with Thoreau and about Latour's actant stuff with regard to nature in her "Vital Materialisms".

Why are you overthinking this so intensely? Just have a genuine conversation with the DGS. It seems pretty obvious that you would not accept unequivocally almost any offer at this point in the process, and I'm sure they're aware of that. Congratulations on your accomplishment.

Thanks for the reply, runonsentence. The stronger piece of writing, I think, is the shorter paper, if not only because it has the advantage that you state-it is a comprehensive argument in and of itself. Also, it isn't that the shorter paper investigates something totally outside of my research interests. If I do add to the shorter paper, the addition will attempt to connect explicitly the paper's topic to my stated research interests. Maybe I'll write to the school that asks for my longest piece of work to determine the suitability of this shorter piece. Thanks again!

Dear All- I plan to use a paper that is approx. 20 pages long for my writing sample. I think this will be easier to tighten up than my 85 page senior Honors Thesis. In the end, the short paper will be a better piece of writing. I am worried about doing this, though, for a few reasons. 1) My Honors Thesis is more in line with my proposed research interests. 2) 20 pages may not be enough to prove to an ad com that I am able to engage in sustained research. 3) The shorter paper engages with the work of one theorist primarily. Even though I use a number of this theorist's essays and books, I am concerned that the narrow focus will not represent my ability to do research. The Honors Thesis engages with a number of theorists, and a number of works from each theorist. 4) At least one school asks for my "longest piece of writing". To strengthen the shorter paper, I may add another section that draws on work from one or two other, more contemporary theorists. What are your thoughts on using the shorter seminar paper vs. the Honors Thesis? Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks so much, gradcafe!

Great-thanks for the responses gellert and ryan. I'll now make comprehensible (to someone other than myself) my list of POI's at different schools and send it to my LOR writers.

Stupid question (Maybe?) for ryan and gellert: What is to be included in an LOR "packet"? Three profs have agreed to be letter writers already and no one has asked for this. Thanks!

Hi All- I'm applying to Political Science Depts. for Fall '12 with a concentration in Political Theory. Does anyone know of outside funding sources for Political Science or Political Theory grad work? Thanks!

Hi All- Two professors agreed to review my Statement of Purpose 2 1/2 weeks ago. I haven't heard anything from them yet. Does anyone have insight into when I may ask if they've had time to review? Thanks!

I'm interested in exchanging SOP's. Serious question, though: What makes opinions from fellow applicants regarding format, content, etc. valuable? I don't mean that to be snarky at all. How, though, are we supposed to coach one another on what to include (assuming no one in the exchange sits on an ad com)? PM me!

Good call about the courses. I need to get a copy of my transcript to understand better the way that class/seminar info is conveyed. Is length or filling up space something to seriously consider here?

What should one include in a CV that will be attached to grad school apps? My understanding is as follows: include honors/distinctions, published articles, conference participation, and relevant work/research experience. Am I missing anything? Thanks so much! Best, Matt