Preparing for your dissertation

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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


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