Senior Thesis Sem in Anthropol · Anthropology
-I learned about how to make my writing structurally sound and how to properly discuss the work of your peers.
I think I got a much more realistic idea about what it means to write a thesis. I think I know much better know what I would get into if I were to go to do a PhD. It was also the first time that a whole class would discuss my texts. This was a great experience.
This course allowed me to deepen my senior thesis. Our discussions enabled me to develop points I would otherwise have left aside. I particularly appreciated some of the conversations with Professor Simpson about her background and research, which allowed me to think concretely about the project's objectives.
I learned how to build a syllabus, run a class, provide feedback for my peers, and plan an event.
About writing and thinking like an anthropologist. The integration of ethnographic material with anthropological theory in order to make an original argument. Also consideration of the ethical implications of doing anthropological research
I learned how to stay accountable to a group while engaging in my own academic inquiry. I wrote a thesis!
Very good course for implementing a personal project and thus nurturing one's own life goals.
Overall, I would recommend writing a senior thesis in anthropology. However, if Professor Messick is leading the thesis seminar, I would recommend pursuing an independent study project instead, as there would be ample opportunity to work one-on-one with a professor who would be actually invested in the student's work.
Real methodological work which enabled me to understand what was expected of me and to overcome some of my biases.
I do not think this has anything to do with the class but rather taking this class during covid. not being able to carry out the research like I wanted to was often pushing me back. Also the fact that little social contact due to covid-19 limited my conversations that I could have about my thesis with other people. Despite the great organisation of the course I still felt stuck in my head often. 1 Columbia University: Arts & Sciences Spring 2021 Course: ANTHUN3999_001_2021_1-SENIORTHESISSEMINANTHROPOL : SENIOR THESIS SEMINAR (SPRING)- ANTHUN3999_001_2021_1 - SENIOR THESIS SEM IN ANTHROPOL Instructor: Zoe Crossland