the best dissertation is a finished one

I just finished what I hope will be my last dissertation revision before my defense. The beast is now 302 pages, the last word is still revision/revisioning, and I feel I’ve said what I needed to say. I am very happy with Chapters I, III, IV, and VI.



Chapter II is a little rough in terms of transitions and if I had an extra month, I would restructure it completely to add more of a focus on the methodologies used in the works I’ve reviewed, but as it is, I can live with it. If I had an extra month, I’d also beef up the discussion in Chapter V of how my conclusions mesh with what others have done, but as it is, I can live with it.



I have my plane ticket for the defense. I fly out Thursday, Nov. 30, defend at 9-fucking-a.m. on Friday, December 1, and then I’ll be home late on the 1st. I’ll have until the following Tuesday to make any requested revisions and corrections and Fed Ex the whole thing (2 copies on 25% cotton paper, unbound) back to the Graduate School.



Things to double check:

• The library does the binding for $20/copy


• The forms I need to complete after passing the format check (which I did last week) need to be sent with the revised copy on Nov. 15


• The Graduate School received my application for graduation (I originally sent it in July but it was never received and I had to resend it last week)

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