It has been a long time since I last wrote. But, to be fair, not much has been happening. At the moment my thesis is getting its final edits before I start finishing up my draft for its final submission. So keep your prayers in my favor/fingers crossed/wishes @ 11:11, whatever works.
In terms of grad schools, here is the current update. Berkeley said, "No thanks." And I have not heard back from Georgetown or Austin. I should hear back by mid-March, but who knows. I heard back from Berkeley much much earlier than expected.
In other news, I have officially started my seminar paper, which is a 25-30 page paper for my seminar class, "Historiography in WWI in the Middle East." Here is my seminar proposal:
My research aims to answer the following questions; were there conflicting visions regarding Great Britain’s colonial role in the Mesopotamian region? If so, who expressed them and how? Did Great Britain’s other colonial roles, such as in India, influence these opinions? How did these conversations shape the ultimate formation of Iraq? In addition to answering these questions, I will discuss the influence of these conflicting visions on historiography in the Middle East. For example, did the “winning” vision receive the most representation?
I will approach these questions through examining correspondence between various consuls and foreign offices, reports from secret service officials, and publications such as articles regarding England’s role in the region. Some officials and “spies” of interest include T.E. Lawrence, J.G. Lorimer, Gertrude Bell, and Mark Sykes. The time period begins in 1913, in order to examine the response of the Baghdad Residency in the lead up to the war. My research ends in 1917 with the Treaty of Paris. Through analysis of this treaty, I hope to conclude which vision of England’s role conquered.
I think it will be fun! Right now I am looking through some primary sources about the railway in Baghdad back in 1900s. I enjoy reading about this region in WWI, because sometimes the intense European focus is irritating...considering they call it a WORLD war for a reason.
I thought I would provide this link. It regards the ruling on that murder in the Marie-Claire article I provided a few months back. I think the ruling is very interesting to say the least. I would love to hear your thoughts.
Anyway, I hope to keep this blog going this summer when Sam and I road trip to Cape Cod. A post-collegiate adventure, if you will.
Best and stay warm,
Liz
