Archive for 'Projects'

When I work with students on thesis proposals, one of the recommendations I make is that they work out a rationale that connects the narrow focus of their thesis with some overarching intellectual project. The theory is that this can help students keep track of why the thesis is meaningful, even during difficult moments in the research or writing process when it can be very easy to lose track of why you’re doing this kind of work. The theory is also that it can help students learn to “chunk” very large intellectual projects down into manageable sections that each contribute something specific to a life project. This strategy isn’t helpful to students who have no overarching intellectual project - who are, for example, pursuing a research degree because one is required for a specific type of professional work, or who have a very specific intellectual interest that can be pursued fairly comprehensively through their thesis. It seems, though, to help students who are interested in larger questions, and can become frustrated with the narrow scope of a thesis.

For whatever reason, I’ve always conceptualised my work in this way - from well before I began formal academic work.