Thesis Update

Katie D.

February 28, 2010 - 12:37 PM

An alternative title to this blog could be "keep on keeping on."

It's been a bit of a slog, I'll admit it. January was not a good month for the thesis writing process: I was incredibly committed to some fabulous projects, like working with Sister Helen and applying for grad school. I don't regret these projects in the slightest. However, it has made sustained work on a massive project a bit difficult. Distractions, competing time commitments, and a continuing need for some down time has led to a reevaluation of my thesis time line.

Originally, I had hoped to have a complete first draft before spring break. Folks, that leaves me just two and a half weeks. I've had to make the reluctant but honest decision that this is no longer a reasonable goal. It's not even a healthy goal-to complete a first draft by March 18th would require far more energy and time than would allow for time with friends, time spent outside, and the continuing need to work on homework, my internship, and ongoing projects.

Instead of beating myself up about the change, I have embraced it. A thesis is something you devote massive time and energy to, and when you graduate you have a full, self-directed project in your hands. I therefore refuse to feel competitive with my friend who has managed to write more than fifty pages so far this term. I also refuse to feel guilt over a change in my original goal. This is my project, ongoing and self-reflecting. It will be written and defended before graduation on June 13th. THAT is what's really important here.

Readers, I hope you realize how important it was for me to get that down, in writing. I'm letting myself off the hook.

In other thesis news, I have written more than ten pages in the last month. I've nearly completed the introduction segments, and am rapidly conquering the actual analysis portions of the project. For anyone who hasn't read my earlier blogs on this topic, here's the basic premise of my thesis:

The Inside-Out Program is a national program that brings college students into prisons for integrated classes with incarcerated individuals. The "inside" and "outside" students engage in dialogue and complete a rigorous academic curriculum. My experiences with the program include two classes taught at the Oregon State Penitentiary, as well as formal instructor training in Pennsylvania. My thesis will examine the classroom methods and pedagogical techniques that allow for engaged dialogue, even across social barriers as profound as prison walls. I am utilizing the instructor training to examine both experience as a student in the classroom and the effectiveness of certain classroom methods. I will also be applying the program's foundational texts and theories of engaged pedagogy and dialogue to the experience of the student.

This has been the basic plan for some time now. However, I have recently added a praxis section to my thesis as well, which will examine ways that the lessons learned in the Inside-Out classroom can be applied to other projects and to life in general. This section will be based on a project I am currently involved with, and which I will write about next week (sorry for the teaser, but it's a long story and needs to be told in its proper way). This is the part of my thesis I am most excited about-truly examining the long-term implications of a radical pedagogical theory that invites students to begin to view social interactions without the dominating lens of social conventions. An experience like Inside-Out is one that changes people profoundly, and invites them to self-reflection and critical understanding of the world. I can't wait to delve deeper into the mechanisms by which this is accomplished in the classroom, and then to extend that to the larger world.

Readers, my thesis is currently at twenty-two pages. It's nearly 1:00 pm on Sunday, February 28th. After writing this blog, I am so excited again by my topic. I'll be at 25 pages by the end of the day. I almost feel like I could write on through and finish the draft by March 18th after all. I'm making no promises, but I am rediscovering my original passion for the topic. There's so much to do! I promise to keep you updated.

Time to get writing.