Preparing for your History dissertation
Monica Fernandes ASK Academic Skills Monica.fernandes@brunel.ac.uk
Objectives Prepare for a great dissertation by… • • • • •
Choosing a topic you like Managing your time Reading critically and actively Managing your materials Talking to people about your topic
Choose a topic that interests you • Don’t choose a topic you kind of like or completely loath
• Challenge yourself and take this opportunity to learn more.
Timing is everything! • To do well in your dissertation, you need DISCIPLINE….
• plan your project before you start writing up your findings • Plan each stage of your research • Set aside time for editing and proofreading • Also set time aside to check your references!
How is this different from your writing process? Find a good place to work and the best time of day
E.B. White writing in his boathouse http://27.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ll98eoGxlw1qhn55co1_500.jpg
Read actively and critically. • Active reading – referring to making notes of your readings… jotting down ideas, authors.
• Start with general readings… – This will give you clues about your work…key words, etc.
• Critical reading – question everything you read and your sources
Keep your materials under control
• Organise your written notes • Create a working bibliography • ‘Dissertation diary’
Talk about your project... • Practice communicating ideas Uni. colleagues
Friends
Social media
Chat forums
Public talks Seminars
Lecturers
• This will help you make the best use of the time with your supervisor.
Last tips • Don’t underestimate the size of the project • Keep reading and writing
• Good planning = lower levels of procrastination
Next year More detailed workshops related to your dissertation will be available to you. These will cover aspects such as – Literature reviews – Methodologies – Ethical considerations
Guessing game‌ who are these people and what can you tell me about them?
For more help… • Contact: monica.fernandes@brunel.ac.uk • Or see me during my consultation times at MJ 234 on: – Monday 11:00-12:00 or – Wednesday 14:00-15:00
• For more info about events or seminars follow me on Twitter...@ASKPolHist