Now what? Getting ready for the first year of study.

[Sigaba]

The purpose of this thread is to encourage discussion on ways entering graduate students are preparing themselves for their first year of study in a history program. Possible topics of discussion include.

• Basic goals for the academic year.
  
• Formulating a broader plan to get ready for qualifying examinations.
  
• Tools/resources you plan to take with you.
  
• Skills you plan to improve.
  
• Skills you plan to develop.
  
• Taking notes.
  
• Selecting courses.
  
• Managing your study schedule.
  
• Managing stress.
  
• Integrate work obligations (if any) with course work.
  
• Interacting with fellow students as well as your department's staff and faculty.
  

This thread is also for those grad students who have completed that first year to toss in their "If I only knew then what I know now" comments.

Edited August 5, 2011 by Sigaba

[qbtacoma]

Here are some existing threads that I have found helpful:

I am eager to hear what other historians have to say, though, especially regarding research difficulties specific to our field.

[Sigaba]

Good finds, qbtacoma. I am hoping for a more narrowly focused discussion as what works in other fields may not work in history.

Another thread looking at this issue is

[theregalrenegade]

Good finds, qbtacoma. I am hoping for a more narrowly focused discussion as what works in other fields may not work in history.

Another thread looking at this issue is

The above thread is great! I continue to harbor the same feelings as the OP quite often. It's good to know it's not just me.

I do wish I had more helpful insights to add to this topic.As it is I only have my plans to share.

I have a big semester coming up this fall. I'm taking 10 credits. 3 classes (two colloquium - one in Gothic lit and one in Euro history, an 18th cent art history course) and a 1 credit mandatory survey called the Professional Historian. It's a large load, and I'll have at least three longer papers, a few shorter papers, and a presentation to complete. I love all the subject material and two of the classes are with potential comp exam committee members. I'm excited, but scared as well.

I have a difficult time participating in class, so I'm always trying to improve those skills. I try to have questions or comments to offer, but I do find it intimidating.

I also hope to use a few of the papers I complete for future conferences. Though I plan to attend a conference coming up in September on Samuel Johnson, I won't have anything to present. But it will be my first official conference.

I'm sure I'll think of more to add at a later time.

Edited August 6, 2011 by theregalrenegade