When it comes to writing most academic manuscripts, dissertations, and theses, we end at the beginning: with the abstract. Don’t be fooled by the brevity of this section, though; it contains multitudes, and the entire ecosystem of that piece of writing resides within. Short and mighty, a good abstract packs a punch, and reading and writing abstracts is an essential skill for every scholar to master.
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Imposter syndrome is the great dragon of academia, and a vicious foe that must be slain. One of the great paradoxes of academic life is that the more expertise you gain in your field, the less confidence you have in your intellectual abilities. Often starting very early in their Ph.D. program, many academics get a nagging feeling of inadequacy, one that tends to linger throughout their time in graduate school and beyond.
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While there are no shortcuts when it comes to writing a dissertation, there are certainly strategies you can use to make the process as organized, straightforward, and painless as possible.
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Lights, camera, action! Movies (or films, if you’re feeling fancy) are among the most frequently-cited references in academic writing. From undergraduate papers to doctoral dissertations, movies are often the subject of analysis and critique, as well as powerful visual illustrations of theoretical concepts brought to life on screen. Whether you are writing about horror or romantic comedies, comic book franchises or high-concept art, movies are a critical aspect of the cultural conversation.
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The moment your dissertation is accepted by your university’s graduate college is one of sweet relief. You’ve reached the end of a very long road, and the work is done. Or is it? For many academics, the siren song of pursuing publication strikes not long after the ink is dry on their diploma. The idea of seeing your name in a prestigious academic journal or emblazoned on the spine of a book is indeed tempting. However, submitting to academic journals or becoming a published author can be a lengthy journey of its own.
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The goal of any work of research is to add to the body of knowledge. When thinking about a research question, particularly for a thesis or dissertation, one of your first priorities will be to figure out where to first cast your critical net. The primary goal of this early work is to find a gap in the literature that interests you and seems ripe for further study.
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When it’s time to start thinking about writing your dissertation, it is vital to put together a dissertation timeline. This will help you map out the months you will be spending on your dissertation, and ensure that you’re staying on track. A specific and detailed dissertation timeline will serve as an outline to guide you, step by step, through what can be a long and challenging process.
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When considering pursuing a Ph.D., which is the most rigorous intellectual endeavor you can embark upon, there is one question that often lingers: “Is a Ph.D. Worth It?” The answer is: “Yes, for some.” Or, “It can be, but it really depends on your situation.” Or even, “Perhaps, but make sure you’ve done your homework.”
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Stop the presses! The American Psychological Association (APA) has published a significant update to the venerated and widely-used stylebook, The Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association. APA style is the preferred style guide used across a wide range of disciplines, including the sciences, education, and social sciences including psychology and sociology. APA’s 7th edition changes are relevant for anyone studying or working in those fields.
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Indiana Jones. Minerva Mcgonagall. Professor X. Fiction and film are filled with colorful academics who use their intellectual prowess to save the day, time and again. But what about their personal lives? Non-stop glamour and excitement, perhaps? Not quite. Before you set your sights on a scholar, it might help to have a little insight into what it’s really like dating a Ph.D. student.
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