comprehensive exams

Today is Dec 11th. Since my last posting, I took and successfully completed all three written comprehensive exams. Yesterday at 2pm I took and passed my oral comprehensive exams. That was much harder, I was sooooo nervous. It took a while for my brain to get into gear and answer with what I know about each subject. Of course the Russian Empire questions were the 'worst' as I was asked materials I had no answer for. Ah well. It's done and now I am officially ABD.

Now I get to start research on my dissertation. Much to muddle over :)
But first a nap and some celebrating.

two down, one to go

Well, I finished the second comprehensive exam. It's amazing what you know and yet forget to put on the page. :~ Ah well. A shower, some protein, a silly movie, and then on to the next and final written exam. That's right - Monday I describe the theory and practice of the Russian and Spanish empires. I definitely have to write out my answers to these questions.

What an amazing experience.

second exam coming up

Today is the second of my comprehensive exams. All about 19th century American History. The big questions that is. I'm psyched and ready to go :)

I've studied and thought and arranged and rearranged authors, theories, perspectives. Now all I have to do is get them onto the page in some comprehensible manner.
Back to reviewing themes & perspectives. A very different way to look at history than dates and names.

the day after with two to go

So I've recovered I think from the first exam. I could not fall asleep last night, - Now I want to throw up :( It's slow going today. After calls from Dad, Mom, and David (last night) and numerous e-mails of support. I am getting my act together so at 10:35 I'm finally ready to dig into the studies for American History. I promised myself a break at 3pm for ice cream and conversation with Diane. So I must finish the projected study plan for today. Must, Must, Must.

Okay, I'm ready to go. More soon,

The first Exam!!

Well, tomorrow's the big day. I take my first comprehensive exam on Nov 9 from 8-5. The other two are on Nov 12 and Nov 16. The first exam deals with Public History, the second 19th century American History ), and the third on the theory and practice of Empire, specifically Spain and Russia . I have tons of munchies and my sun lamp. I'm all set. Deep breath. More soon!

One test down, I survived... It was harder than I thought, but its over. On to the next exam on Thursday which focuses on 19th century american history. First step, shower and sleep, then review my notes :) Ah yes, and relax. Thanks for all the encouragement :)

the exams are almost here.

All is well here. My first exam is on Monday. I'm nervous because I want to do well. There is so much buzzing around in my head, it's hard to sleep or keep on task. I feel as though everything is coming together. It's amazing to realize how much I've learned over the past few years, how the pieces fit together and really mesh. Best of all I've been using much of what I'm reading in my classes already. I've no regrets. I just want this hurdle to be past me. Then on to the Oral Exam.

The info keeps flowing at me. Here's the most amazing part. I'm actually interested in continuing to read all the subjects I've been studying intensively for the past 6 months. Well, maybe not Russian Empire, but parts of that subject too.

I'm looking for connections and seeing them everywhere, maybe too many places.

I cannot wait to be able to think past next week and all the exams. I have so much I want to learn :)
More Monday night after the first of three exams.

Almost there

Only a week to go before the first exam. Yes, now I am counting down :(
I have read tons of books, I have lots of ideas, facts and 'knowledge' of theories in my head. It's getting them on paper or into the computer that is the most terrifying aspect of this entire study / examination process. Ah well. It will be over soon. In the meantime, every book or article I read is sliding into a larger context of history and theory. Sometimes I feel as though I just babble to get the info out of my head and into the practical, applicable part of my brain.