Difference between revisions of "PhD Research Proposal"

Revision as of 18:52, 6 January 2020

Individual Transformation in Medieval Scandinavia: Three Case Studies

The literature of early medieval Scandinavia reflects a world in transition: Oral culture is giving way to written; regional autonomy to nations governed by kings; and widespread conversion to Christianity, to name a few transitions.

• Becoming and adult is a near universal transformation.
• Becoming a King is a selective transformation experienced by a relative few.
• Becoming a Christian is a progressive transformation, experienced selectively at first, and then by increasing numbers of individuals.

Research Questions

• Use bullet points here

Sources

• Primary
• Secondary
• What can be done with them?
• Limitations

Historiography

• What has been done?
• What hasn't been done?

Methodology

• Case study approach

Why? So What?

• To understand our own culture

Why Me?

• Background in Literature and Theology (which is about individual transformation)
• Why Hannah & Aberdeen? Her familiarity with the intersection of literature and religion, interest in Norse language, culture & society. Also familiarity with skaldic poetry, which I would like to explore. Aberdeen's focus on convergence of northern medieval cultures and interdisciplinary approach.

“I can’t go back to yesterday because I was a different person then.” – Lewis Carroll from Alice in Wonderland

"Most people in America, when they are exposed to the Christian faith, are not being transformed. They take one step into the door, and the journey ends. They are not being allowed, encouraged, or equipped to love or to think like Christ. Yet in many ways a focus on spiritual formation fits what a new generation is really seeking. Transformation is a process, a journey, not a one-time decision.” ― David Kinnaman, unChristian: What a New Generation Really Thinks about Christianity... and Why It Matters

"few things have more transformative power than people and stories.” ― Shane Claiborne

From the Aberdeen Website

Applicants must submit a detailed research proposal. The full proposal, preferably between 1,000 and 1,500 words, should include at least the following elements:

• a clear description of the proposed thesis topic, indicating the research problem and expected scope of the investigation;
• a description of how the proposed topic fits into the existing field;

an indication of how the research is to be carried out (e.g. study of written sources, social surveys, fieldwork);

• an indication of why the University of Aberdeen is suited to the proposed research (e.g. staff expertise, library or archival resources).