My Dissertation Journey #2

I have submitted my first draft of chapter one. With references it is at thirty-two pages. It will change significantly in my final submission. The first chapter is really my introduction and my historiography section. As I find more resources the historiography section will grow and I will be able to create other sections – abstract, thesis statement, and chapter overviews.

I can honestly say, that this first chapter was extremely tasking. I wasn’t sure what to expect and became a bit disheartened at first. But happily, Dr. Roberts was able to get me on track and give me the support I needed to regroup.

There will be no rest for the wicked – my next course starts on Monday and will last fifteen weeks. It is my understanding that I will spend most of the summer researching. I may even take a trip to Washington D.C. to the national archives and Library of Congress. It would be exciting to do research in these great institutions. Hard to believe I am a professional historian who goes to the capital to discover new things.

I have been emailing with my dissertation director, Dr. Upchurch, and I have complete confidence in his ability to get me through the process. He has already been providing much needed guidance. And I think we have really gotten to know each other.

To Carlos’s dismay, my personal library has grown substantially and more books are on their way. eBay, Thrift Books, and Amazon have been helping me find most of my needs. I love local bookstores but I have not had the time to go to any but I plan to soon.