Author: chn00035

My research project is on the depiction of the enemy in propaganda in WWII, comparing Britain and Germany.

What have been the major obstacles you have faced in putting a research project together?

The most difficult thing I found when putting my research project together was figuring out what I actually wanted to study, research and write about. I had many different ideas but I couldn’t decide what one would be best. I also found it hard to get used to finding the appropriate sources and I also found it hard initially to figure out what sources were useful and good quality. After learning what websites had reliable information and sources I found it a lot easier to see what topics had enough sources and information and therefore, it was a lot easier to decide what I wanted to research and write about. I also felt anxious about writing my dissertation at the start as I found the idea of the dissertation itself daunting but after attending the classes and speaking with my supervisor I felt a lot more comfortable and I am now enjoying organising my dissertation and doing my reading for it.

What strategies have you adopted to overcome these obstacles?

One of the strategies I found that helped me overcome these obstacles was trying to plan my time equally through the semester, for example, look at when all my due dates were and schedule specific time to sit down and read and write my assignments up whilst also taking time to go a walk and take time out. I also think speaking to my supervisor helped as it allowed me to be reassured on any questions I had and also it allowed me to ask for help when I felt stuck or overwhelmed. Speaking to other students has also helped me as I can see that they either feel the same or they sometimes have answers to some of my questions. The classes each week have also helped clarify everything for me and hear other students’ opinions and questions.

What has this taught you about approaching your dissertation?

This has taught me how to plan my time out appropriately whilst not overwhelming myself with everything at once. It has also taught me to sit back and look at what I have to do and planning it in a way that allows me to meet deadlines and also take breaks to do something else to make sure it doesn’t all get too much. This has definitely helped me find a good balance. It has also taught me the importance of reading for my dissertation as I have actually enjoyed sitting down and doing the reading as all of my assignments were submitted on time.

Which aspects of the 9X6 module have been the most useful in helping you get your project ready to start?

The class each week has been really helpful as it has clarified a lot of things for me. I also find the meetings with my supervisor has helped as it allows me to ask any questions I may have. The examples my supervisor has provided of other peoples’ work has also really helped me as it has allowed me to look at what they have done and it has helped me with any worries I may have had around structuring my assignments. The module overall has really settled my mind about the dissertation and I feel like it has gave me a clear plan of what I have to do over the summer and in my dissertation on a whole.

 

I am planning on doing my dissertation on the Civil Rights Movement in America.  I haven’t yet chose what aspect of the Civil Rights Movement that I am going to focus on yet but reading these sources gave me some ideas.

1. Armstrong Dunbar, Erica. A Fragile Freedom: African American Women and Emancipation in the Antebellum City. Yale University Press, 2008. Yale Scholarship Online, 2013. doi: 10.12987/yale/9780300125917.001.0001.

This is a book which discusses the lives of various women in the north of America and their journey from enslavement to freedom in the decades right before the civil war. It also compares these women’s experiences with the experiences of women from other places in America such as New York. Many of these women take part in the antislavery movement and try to get involved in politics. It examines the ways in which these women fought for freedom. It is very interesting and well structured, making it easier to read.

2.Dierenfield, Bruce J. The Civil Rights Movement, Routledge, 2013. Vlebooks http://www.vlebooks.com/Vleweb/Product/Index/315650?page=0

This book is an online resource. It discusses the importance of the civil rights movement in America. Detailing segregation, the right to vote and economics in America during the civil rights movement. This is well organised and enjoyable to read, going into a lot of detail about the civil rights movement.

3.Bush Rod. “The Civil Rights Movement and the Continuing Struggle for the Redemption of America.” Social Justice30, no. 1 (91) (January 1, 2003): 42–66. http://search.ebscohost.com.ezproxy-s2.stir.ac.uk/login.aspx?direct=true&db=edsjsr&AN=edsjsr.29768166&site=eds-live.

This is a secondary source which is available online on JSTOR. It discusses the Civil Rights Movement and the condition that America was in at that time in terms of socially and economically. It then goes on to talk about how hard America found seeking redemption after the events of the Civil Rights movement. This is particularly interesting as it provides information from just after the civil rights movement which provides further insight into the effects that the movement had on America and those who lived there afterwards.

4.Lawson, Steven F.. 2014. Running for Freedom : Civil Rights and Black Politics in America Since 1941. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons, Incorporated. Accessed February 6, 2021. ProQuest Ebook Central.

This is an e-book looking at the political side of the Civil Rights Movement in America and the fight for freedom. It discusses politics in America, particularly the struggles that African-Americans have faced in terms of politics in America from 1941 to 2014. This is useful as it covers a wide timeframe which means there is more evidence and examples to read up on.

Hi my name is Chloe Nash and I am from Falkirk which is near Stirling. I am currently thinking of writing my dissertation on an aspect African history, however, I am finding it hard to decide on this. I found online learning hard at first but I feel more comfortable with it this semester as I am learning how to work my way around it all.