Welcome again to “the embarkation” of your MA thesis experience. I am glad we have all connected again for this Fall semester of ENG 5698. We are truly “underway” now. Moving forward, I hope you will think of “Thesis Class” as a special “accountability community” – a supportive writing group dedicated to co-learning and peer support, helping you refine your own development of a significant writing project.

As we embark on this process, we are setting the tone with weekly connection and check-in-style discussions. You will all be at different “places” during the thesis experience, of course, and each of you will bring different perspectives and concerns. Thesis time together is a unique opportunity. It is a special chance in your life to have a close community of like-minded writers working with you and alongside you, in tandem. Although your work might be different, the process you are all experiencing is shared.

Here are the slides from last class for your reference:

With the exception of Erik & Giselle, each of you is starting the process of “discovery and invention” at this stage. Some of you have a clear notion of what you would like to do, and you might even have some elements “in the can.” But you are all still apprehending certain dimensions of your MA thesis (more conversation on this to come next week).

***Please remember, each of you will learn a great deal from considering each other’s evolving work. The peer support approach for thesis development will rely heavily on the feedback you offer, as well as the feedback you receive. It is critical to keep in mind the significance of both roles you play in this class – writer AND reader, author AND editor. Your own growth as a thinker and creator relies on both sides of this equation. Consider each of the roles with equal measure.

I look really look forward to “jump-starting” our collective work together next week.

For our Next Meeting

• Submit to this form your blog URL
• Your first introductory post: Include an update about you, how was the summer?  What thought do you have at this stage regarding your thesis?

See you then,

Dr. Zamora