Post Script Magazine Vol 2

Inside:

Lancaster Walking Tour

Key Factors for PhDs

Events Calendar

...and other features for postgrads

Lancaster University Postgraduate Magazine

Post Script Issue 2, Spring 2011

PostScriptPublishing Information

PostScript MagazineA Graduate College PublicationLancaster University Lancaster LA2 0PF United KingdomPhone: +44 01524 592600Email: [email protected]

Editor-in-ChiefJennifer Tomomitsu [PhD 4th Year, Sociology]

Managing EditorsShuchen Chang [PhD 4th Year, Linguistics]

Sarah Finnegan [PhD 1st Year, Psychology]

Esti Mardiani-Euers[PhD 4th Year, Engineering] Samantha Newsham [PhD 3rd Year, Maths & Statistics]

Pia E.M. Nottebaum [PhD 3rd Year, PPR]

Maryam Piracha [M.A. 1st Year, Creative Writing]

Amie Ramanath [PhD 2nd Year, Management School]

Layout EditorsHazal Gümüş[PhD 1st Year, LICA]

Amanda Potts[PhD 1st Year, Linguistics]

Contributing PhotographersHazal Gümüş Cover, pages 4, 11, 18, back cover

Amanda Potts Page 2

www.dreamstime.comPages 8,9,14,16,17 and 22

Lancaster University Law DepartmentPage 20

CONTENTS

01 Editorial

02 Lancaster: Yes, there are some fun things to do, even in this dismal weather!

04 Key factors for PhD students

07 PROFILE: Meet a different Postgrad Student every Issue

08 Eight Recommended Books for Your Post-Graduate Course

10 Confessions of a Part-Time Distance PhD Student

13 Participating in Psychological Research

14 Calendar

16 Writers’ Residence at Ty Newydd: A week to recharge

18 Introducing Lancaster Law School

20 My Top 5…Films & Plays

21 Tuition Fee increases and Cuts to Higher Education

22 The Illustrated Guide to a PhD by Matt Might

24 Creativity Corner

26 Call for Submissions

Post Script Magazine, Established 2010All views and opinions expressed in Post Script

are solely the authors’ and not those of Lancaster University

1Issue 2 | Spring 2011

After a successful first launch, we’re happy to present the 2nd edition of PostScript Magazine!

For those of you reading PostScript for the first time, this magazine is intended to be a space for postgraduate students to share their experiences and provide advice to their fellow peers. We encourage people from all disciplines to send us submissions related to postgraduate life whether it concerns the recent rise in tuition fees, or the highs and lows of

doing independent research. The hope is that students will use PostScript as a resource for exchanging ideas, keeping informed and meeting new people.

There is no theme to this particular issue, but if you’re interested in acquiring tips about surviving life as a PhD student, or if you are in search of some good books to help you during your research degree, then check out some of the articles in our Postgraduate Tips section. Other interesting features include Maryam Piracha’s reflections on attending a writer’s residence, and Joanne Roxburgh’s article about life as a part-time Lancaster student living in Dubai. Overall, we’ve tried to diversify our content and also encourage non-academic features so please keep those articles and ideas flowing in!

On a final note, I am sad to say this will be my last issue as editor-in-chief of PostScript. Having just submitted my thesis I will be moving on to other things, but I sincerely enjoyed being a part of this publication and seeing it develop. I want to thank all my fellow editors without whose hard work none of this would have been possible. Also, a big thank you goes out to everybody who sent in articles and who contributed to this publication in one way or another. Farewell and I hope you enjoy reading this new edition of PostScript! PS

- JENNIFER TOMOMITSU4TH YEAR PHD, SOCIOLOGY

Letter from the Editor

2 PostScript | LUGRAD Magazine

So, you’ve survived a term at University, and are now unsurprised with the

incessant rain showers, gloomy skies and murky clouds.

But take hope – there are still some nice things to do in this town when you need to get away from Grad Bar, your laptop and the cloying walls of your room.

Like in the first issue, let’s assume you have a leisurely day (or date you need to plan). Pack an umbrella (of course!), keep your student card in your wallet and you’re ready to go.

10 am: Take a bus to the city centre – get off at Common Garden Street (if you don’t know what that is, remember that you will pass the canal, then KFC on your right, and some moments later, the bus will turn right and New Look will be visible. Get off!)

Walk down that street, past Marks and Spencers, and then you will see the traffic lights. Cross the road and you will be at Dalton Square. The statue in the centre, that’s Queen Victoria. It’s big and green and right in the middle of the square – you shouldn’t miss it. This monument was commissioned in 1901, soon after the Queen’s death, but completed only in 1907.

If you’re there on a weekend, you’ll find teenagers rollerblading on the foundation of the statue (how Her Highness might cringe!)

Lancaster:Yes, there are some fun things to do, even in this dismal weather!

AROUND TOWN


11am: Now you can either follow the signs for Williamson’s Park, or make a stop at the Borough for breakfast. They offer a choice of English and Continental breakfasts, or pancakes if you prefer. The pub is open from 9am everyday.

12pm: As you walk towards Williamson Park, you will see the Lancaster Cathedral on your right. I suggest taking a detour to admire it’s imposing walls. Dating back to 1859, the Cathedral is dedicated to St.Peter. Its spire is 240 feet high, and the architecture is neo-Gothic.

When you walk in, your eyes will be drawn to the striking Te Deum window, and the triptych of 32 panels above the altar. You will also notice the linoleum paintings of saints behind the altar - an unusual sight.

If you’re lucky, you just might hear the peal of the 10 bells; a rarity in Roman Catholic churches.

Around 1pm: You’re either at the Park or on you’re way here, trudging uphill. The park is open all year round, and there is no entry charge. It is also huge (54 acres) so be prepared for a bit of a walk!

Now, there are a myriad things you can do….Simply follow the signs and explore each nook and cranny, or have a look at the most popular bits and then treat yourself to a hot drink.

The waterfall, the Sundial and the Butterfly House, Mini-Beast Cave and Bird enclosure, are key features of the park. There is also a stream that flows beneath a small bridge; a location for many a romantic picture!

What you should definitely see is Ashton Memorial, considered the Taj Mahal of the North as it was commissioned by Lord Ashton in memory of his late wife. Lord Ashton, born and bred in Lancaster, was known as the Lino King – his business ventures included the production of cloth and linoleum. He is one

the biggest benefactors to Lancaster, and other than the Memorial, his gifts include financing the Town Hall, the Queen Victorial Statue in Dalton Square, and several large donations for education and research.

From the viewing gallery, you have panoramic views across Lancaster and Morecambe.

Having done the ‘history’ and ‘tourist-y’ bits, follow the signs to the shop and café. The souvenirs are fun and cheap, and the café offers a range of drinks and snacks to choose from. If the weather is nice, you can take a beer or ice-cream to the grass and lie back and enjoy it. If it is usual Lancastrian weather, then opt for a hot drink and cake, or the specials.

Around 4pm: Depending on how tired you are, or inclined to walk around, you can easily spend 2-3 hours at the park.

As you make your way back to the city centre, you have several options ahead of you. Go back to your room and rest your weary feet or head to the Dukes Theatre that offers live theatre, mainstream and independent films and a varied menu. Or of course, go home and change for a night out with your friends.

I hope you got another peek into what Lancaster has to offer…it might not be much, but sometimes the best things come in small packages! PS

- AMIE RAMANATH2ND YEAR PHD, MANAGEMENT

LEARNING AND LEADERSHIP

“”

Definitely see the Ashton Memorial... it’s considered the

Taj Mahal of the North.

AROUND TOWN


When undertaking a PhD, there are, of course, all sorts of practical

factors a student needs to consider, such as having sufficient funds, a good place to work, supportive networks for those times when the work does not seem to go right, enough time without other pressing concerns, etc. These needs vary, however, with individuals, whereas the academic factors are the ‘given’ framework and the better they work together, the better the academic experience, I would argue.

As a PhD student you could be living quite a way off-campus and it is very easy, then, to feel somewhat ‘detached’ from the student experience. While there is probably not a lot anyone can do about that, it is yet another reason why it is helpful if the academic factors work as well together as possible. So here are four key (academic) factors which I think will help students to get the most from their experience: (1) having a good supervisor, (2) good library resources, (3) opportunities to present your work and (4) the annual review. After all, they helped me and I’ve just obtained my degree!

Key factors for PhD students A few key tips for surviving life as aPhD student…

POSTGRADUATE TIPS


1. Good supervisionYour supervisor(s) is/are a crucial

element in your life at University. After all, you will spend a significant amount of time with them and it is thus, essential, to get along with him/her/them. Are they encouraging and supportive, even while having to be critical? It’s as well to remember, too, that sometimes only a tiny step forward may occur after a particular supervision meeting but there does need to be some sense of progression after every consultation, if only to maintain morale. Also, do you, in turn, feel free to say how you think your work is going? Do you meet regularly and have productive discussions about your work? If not, then it’s important to speak to someone such as your departmental representative, a member of staff or even a friend, to see what can be done.

2. Library provisionThis will vary between subjects but

if resources are lacking, then it is worth talking to library staff and, maybe, your supervisor about this. Should you live a long way off-campus it can be difficult to return materials when suddenly required by someone else. The library staff are helpful if you explain your difficulties.

3. Presenting one’s workIt is important that students have the

experience of hearing well-known persons in their field at conferences and seminars, but what is also important is presenting your own work. This needs to be done, initially, in a supportive environment before setting forth into the ‘larger’ world of national (or even international) conferences.

It is really helpful if the department organises student presentations on a

regular basis with the opportunity for other students to hear and critique the work. This is also an excellent opportunity to meet students in the department whom you might not have met before. It is also a good idea to seek out opportunities for presenting work further afield and enquiring if any help with costs of travel/accommodation is available. Some professional academic organisations are keen to support students, of any age, and will provide bursaries for part if not full costs for their conferences, workshops and study days. The University’s own Thesis in Progress (TIP) sessions are both helpful and encouraging, in a general way, for talking to the staff who run them and the people in different subjects, who have perhaps been experiencing similar ‘blocks’ or problems. It is also another meeting place to take away that sense of isolation.

4. Annual reviewThe annual review is not always the

most harmonious experience and a bad one can even follow on from a previously good one. After a bad one, it is essential to analyse why it was bad and what can be salvaged, as well as admitting your own part, perhaps, in the unsatisfactory outcome: not enough work done, the wrong problem being tackled and so forth. At the beginning it can be very difficult to defend one’s work, especially if you are uncertain where it is going or what you should be doing. However, it is necessary to use each review as a learning experience and to take

“”

The university’s own Thesis in Progress (TIP) sessions are both helpful

and encouraging.

POSTGRADUATE TIPS


responsibility for your own work, when you can. That, however, may take time. Older learners are less imbued with the kind of confidence which seems to come naturally to many younger students, probably a product of their different kind of schooling, when, on the whole, learning was a more passive experience and authority structures were more taken for granted.

Bonus: Support networksLastly, read PostScript, which was

initiated as a direct result of a consultation with graduate students about ways and means of keeping the very varied constituencies of the PG community in touch and connected.

Being a PhD student is hard work, but it is also rewarding. There are moments

when you might feel lonely, fed up, tired, frustrated...and just want to give the whole thing up. Remember your department does care about your welfare and wants you to graduate, so if you have any problems at all, do express them to someone.

Finding people and networking can also be difficult, so you may also find some of these University services quite helpful:

Lancaster Counselling:http://www.lancs.ac.uk/sbs/counselling/

Student Learning & Advice:http://www.lancs.ac.uk/celt/sldc/about/

PS

- JANET ECCLESPHD, RELIGIOUS STUDIES (2010)

POSTGRADUATE TIPS


Name: Mazura Mastura MuhammadCountry of Origin: MalaysiaAcademic year: 4th Year PhD StudentSubject: Linguistics

What is your research topic?Corpus Linguistics, which involves the study of language in its natural form.

What are the most enjoyable aspects of postgraduate study at Lancaster?The most enjoyable aspect of pursuing my doctoral degree is to be given the opportunity to come to the UK. What would be more perfect than to study language in the UK? To me, to be here fully-funded is the icing on the cake.

The most difficult part of your PhD?PhD is the most difficult journey that I have ever embarked on, particularly the writing up process. Since my study involves both the quantitative and qualitative analyses, I have to familiarize myself with statistics again, which I have lost touch with for so long.

Why did you choose Lancaster to do your degree and are you happy with your choice?I had two options – a university in California, and Lancaster University. The prompt email reply from one of my supervisors propelled me to choose Lancaster. Additionally, Lancaster University is synonymous with Corpus Linguistics. So this is the best place to learn more about the subject/field. I have very supportive supervisors in Dr. Andrew Hardie and Professor Tony McEnery.

What other activities do you pursue other than the PhD?I am a student representative for the Thesis and Coursework PhD programme. I am also one of the coordinators of the UCREL Corpus Research Seminar.

What advice would you give to new postgraduate students?To start reading before undertaking their studies/coursework. New students should also start building rapport with their supervisor(s) before arriving.

If you were starting your postgraduate study all over again, knowing what you know now, what would you do differently?If I was given a chance to turn back the hands of time, I would make sure that I am more prepared before I begin my studies. However, I have never regretted the decision I made to study here and carry out my research in this area. It has been a privilege to be supervised by Andrew and Tony and to be under Dr. Jane Sunderland, the Director of Studies of the Thesis and Coursework PhD Programme. PS

Profile: Meet a different postgrad student every issue!

PROFILE


It wasn’t. It took me five years to finish that degree. In my defence, I did also get married and have two children during that time. But even without those distractions, I still think I would have found it difficult to stay focused, motivated and organised.

But this time, I told myself, it would be different. I have chosen a PhD programme that combines coursework and thesis. The coursework is a blended learning programme spread out over the first two years. Face-to-face classes are taught on intensive residential courses in Lancaster for one week in January and three weeks in July. The online distance component consists of tasks and discussions using the University’s course management system, LUVLE. At the same time, we are also expected to work on our research topics with a supervisor’s guidance and support. It does not matter that I am thousands of miles away as I can easily send my supervisor an email or even talk to him via Skype. Thanks to the joys of modern technology, I know that he is only the click of a mouse button away.

I officially started my PhD in January 2010 on an extremely cold Sunday morning in Lancaster. Together with the other six students in my cohort, I battled through

Confessions of a Part-Time Distance PhD Student

It was with some trepidation that, in October last year, I applied to do a part-

time distance PhD in Applied Linguistics at Lancaster University. The reason for the trepidation was that I live in Dubai, have two kids, and also a full-time teaching job at a local university. Was I taking on too much by adding PhD study to this? I was worried about how I would find the time to study and manage being so far away from Lancaster. In fact, the title of the short story by Alan Sillitoe, The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner, kept coming to my mind. A PhD is surely the academic equivalent of a cross-country race or even a marathon and I was worried that I would experience the loneliness of the long distance PhD student.

This fear was not unfounded. In the 1990s, I studied for an MEd in English Language Teaching at Manchester University as a part-time distance student, which I, somewhat mistakenly, assumed would be relatively easy.

Have you ever wondered what it is like to do a distance PhD? Joanne reveals her experience of studying for a degree at Lancaster whilst living in Dubai…

“”

A PhD is surely the academic equivalent of a

cross-country race or even a marathon.

PERSPECTIVE


heavy snow and treacherous ice to attend the sessions. One of the best things about this first residential was meeting the other people starting this programme. As one of them pointed out recently, one of the great things about our group is that we are a collection of “different unique characters”. The diverse perspectives and experiences we bring through our different nationalities and research interests, make the courses particularly stimulating, even enjoyable. Importantly, this first residential also helped us to feel like real Lancaster University students. We toured the library and departments, met our supervisors, selected courses and attended face-to-face sessions. We also got to find out what we had let ourselves in for.

As I write this, I have just returned from the second residential in July. With temperatures here in Dubai consistently over 40⁰C, I am already missing the Lancaster weather. But I also miss the luxury of spending hours in the library, attending sessions, talking to my tutors and my supervisor, and sharing the ups and downs of PhD study with my course-mates. In such an atmosphere, I found that I was able to focus on my studies and get an incredible amount of work done. If only

I could have stayed longer.With assignments to write, and

deadlines looming, I am starting to feel a little of the loneliness of the long-distance PhD student. But I know that I am not really alone. My department provides the support I need through LUVLE and emails. I can ‘visit’ the University library to browse journals, download articles and read eBooks. And I can keep in touch with my course-mates through LUVLE, email and even Facebook. When I recall studying for the MEd by distance, I realise just how much things have changed. In those days, the distance materials arrived by mail. I had no easy access to support or resources through email. I often ended up sending assignments by courier to make sure they arrived in time. It is not really surprising that it was difficult to stay focused and motivated.

Now, with the constant contact and support I receive, the only thing that I have to provide is the recommended twelve hours of study per week. Did I say ‘only’? Well, yes, that is easier said than done. I briefly tried getting up an hour earlier every day. When that did not work, I tried studying after my children had gone to bed but I was just too tired at that point and fell asleep at my desk. Instead, what works for me is taking one day each weekend to immerse myself in my studies.

The question has to be, though, why would anyone want to study for a PhD on

“ ” I know that I

am not really alone.

PERSPECTIVE


top of a full-time job, while bringing up two kids, thousands of miles away from the campus? There are, of course, times when I envy people who are able to study full-time in Lancaster. But I know that would not work for me, not only because I cannot afford to give up the day job. There is also the advantage that I am close to the content of my research. I am investigating issues relating to English language learning in the U.A.E. and I am fortunate to have daily contact with such learners through my teaching. Theory meets practice as what I read is combined with a constantly developing understanding of the context in which I will carry out my research. I believe this will be a great benefit in refining my research questions, carrying out pilot studies, and focusing my research methods.

Another advantage is that first-year part-time students can be more flexible and explore areas which may not be directly related to their research. It is only in the second year that they must guard against distractions and tangential areas of interest.

As a part-time student, I may not have many hours in the day to commit to studying, but by spreading the study across five years, I have more time for thinking, processing and exploring. I have to admit that, six months into my PhD, I am still like a kid in a candy store. I get distracted by interesting articles, different approaches and new perspectives, many of which are not even remotely connected to my field of research. However, I know that the time is fast approaching when I will need to settle down.

This summer, a course tutor asked me if I regretted signing up to do a PhD. Without any hesitation, I could reply that I had no regrets. Perhaps I am still in the honeymoon period. Time will tell. I have heard people describe doing a PhD as a rollercoaster, as the time available to study and motivation levels constantly go up and down. But at the moment I feel quietly optimistic. PS

- JOANNE ROXBURGH1ST YEAR PART-TIME PHD,

APPLIED LINGUISTICS

Publish in PostScript!Do you have something to say about the tuition fee increases and cuts to higher education? What are your thoughts about the recent events in Egypt and Tunisia?

If you have something to say, submitting to PostScript is a great opportunity to publish work which is not just related to your experience as a postgraduate, but also other topical issues. See the call for submissions at the back of the magazine for more details!

PERSPECTIVE


Participating in Psychological Research Want to earn a little pocket money? Here is how! Sarah explains how easy it is to sign up for psychological research studies at the University.

During my time as a Psychology student I have often been asked “how can I

participate in psychological research?”The answer is very simple for students

at Lancaster - “Sign up to the sonar system!”The sonar system (aka Research

Participation System) is how the Psychology Department at Lancaster University recruit participants for research studies.

All you need to register is your Lancaster email address and the following web address: http://lancs.sona-systems.com/. You will be asked to answer some questions about yourself (all information is confidential) and then you can start looking for interesting studies to sign up for. The whole process takes less than two minutes and you can start earning a bit of pocket money immediately. The current rate is £3 pounds for up to half an hour, and then another £1 for every ten minutes after that.

Each study will provide you with a brief description of what tasks you will be asked to carry out, the time it takes, how much you will be paid, as well as the location and contact details of the researcher. The labs where the studies are taking place are usually located in the Fylde Building, unless stated otherwise. All research studies are given ethical approval, so no need to worry

that you might accidently find yourself in a Milgram or Zimbardo type study!

There is a wide variety of research taking place this year from interpersonal interaction to psychic abilities and more. So if you fancy earning a bit of extra cash while helping out a fellow student at the same time, then the Psychology Department is always looking for new participants! PS

- SARAH FINNEGAN1ST YEAR PHD, PSYCHOLOGY

➤ Did you know...The Centre for Employability, Enterprise and Careers (CEEC) offers a range of courses to enhance your employability and increase transferable skills, many of which are aimed specifically at postgraduate students. Topics covered include how to write an effective academic CV, career planning for PhD students and succeeding at assessment centres. Further details can be found on the CEEC website: http://www.lancs.ac.uk/sbs/ceec/

OPPORTUNITIES


Date Time Event

THURSDAY 20:00 Live music/open mic every Thursday in 10 FEB - 31 MAR Grad Bar during term time.

FRIDAY Evening Curry nights every Friday in Grad Bar during term time. 11 FEB - 25 MAR THURSDAY 19:30 Lancaster International Concert Series: 10 FEB Manchester Camerata Ensemble in Great Hall

FRIDAY TBA CEEC Insight into Project and Event Management. 11 FEB Booking essential (jobs.lancs.ac.uk)

SATURDAY TBA Trip to Leeds 12 FEB (www.lugrad.wordpress.com for more information and to buy tickets)

THURSDAY 19:30 Lancaster International Concert Series: 17 FEB Xuefei Yang (guitar) in Great Hall

FRIDAY Open hours Lancaster University Library Exhibition: Our favourite 18 FEB - 25 MAR books - a selection from the University Library

SATURDAY TBA Inaugural Brass Band Championship in Great Hall 19 FEB (www.unibrass.webs.com/about.htm for more information)

TUESDAY TBA CEEC Insight into Business and Management. 22 FEB Booking essential (jobs.lancs.ac.uk)

WEDNESDAY TBA CEEC Insight into Business and Management. 23 FEB Booking essential (jobs.lancs.ac.uk)

WEDNESDAY 20:00 Drunken Chorus: And Hell Followed With Them 23 FEB in Nuffield Theatre.

THURSDAY 19:30 Lancaster International Concert Series:24 FEB Natalie Clein (cello) and Katya Apekisheva (piano) in Great Hall

SATURDAY TBA Trip to Harrogate 26 FEB (www.lugrad.wordpress.com for more information and to buy tickets)

TUESDAY TBA CEEC Insight into Project and Event Management. 1 MAR Booking essential (jobs.lancs.ac.uk)

TUESDAY TBA Feeling Blue. Contact Counselling 1 MAR (http://www.lancs.ac.uk/sbs/counselling/)

WEDNESDAY 20:00 Candoco Dance Company: Renditions in Nuffield Theatre. 2 MAR UK contemporary dance company of disabled and non-disabled dancers

THURSDAY 19:30 Lancaster International Concert Series: 3 MAR Rainer Hirsch, Classical Music Comedian in Great Hall

THURSDAY 3 MAR Open hours Time Pieces’ and ‘Gathering Time’ in Peter Scott Gallery.SATURDAY 2 APR

EVENTS CALENDAR


Date Time Event

FRIDAY 20:00 Benji Reid/ Breaking Cycles: 4 MAR The Devil Has Quentin’s Heart in Nuffield Theatre

TUESDAY 20:00 Peggy Shaw and Clod Ensemble: 8 MAR MUST: The Inside Story in Nuffield Theatre

THURSDAY 19:30 Lancaster International Concert Series: 10 MAR National Youth Jazz Orchestra in Great Hall

THURSDAY 20:00 Yael Flexer and Nic Sandiland: The Living Roomin Nuffield Theatre10 MAR

SATURDAY TBA Trip to Ripon & Richmond 12 MAR (www.lugrad.wordpress.com for more information and to buy tickets)

MONDAY 13:00 CVs, Application Forms and Cover Letters Workshop in 14 MAR LUMS A23, Careers Resources Room. Booking(jobs.lancs.ac.uk)

MONDAY TBA Procrastination & Revision. 14 MAR - 1 APR Contact Counselling (http://www.lancs.ac.uk/sbs/counselling/)

TUESDAY TBA Why Worry. 15 MAR Contact Counselling (http://www.lancs.ac.uk/sbs/counselling/)

THURSDAY 19:30 Lancaster International Concert Series: 17 MAR Valeriy Sokolov (violin) and Kathryn Stott (piano) in Great Hall

MONDAY TBA CEEC Insight into Teaching. 21 MAR Booking essential(www.jobs.lancs.ac.uk)

TUESDAY TBA Exam Stress. 22 MAR Contact Counselling (http://www.lancs.ac.uk/sbs/counselling/)

WEDNESDAY TBA CEEC Insight into Teaching. 23 MAR Booking essential (www.jobs.lancs.ac.uk)

SATURDAY TBA Trip to Hadrian’s Wall & Hexham 26 MAR (www.lugrad.wordpress.com for more information and to buy tickets)

TUESDAY TBA CEEC Insight into Teaching. 29 MAR Booking essential (www.jobs.lancs.ac.uk)

TUESDAY TBA Exam Stress. 29 MAR Contact Counselling (http://www.lancs.ac.uk/sbs/counselling/)

THURSDAY TBA Co-Design and Food: Explore the future of local food production on campus 31MAR Register http://www.lancs.ac.uk/fass/lica/launch/Co-Design

EASTER VACATION

SATURDAY TBA Trip to Ullswater & Keswick 9 APR (www.lugrad.wordpress.com for more information and to buy tickets)

EVENTS CALENDAR


CREATIVITY CORNER

What have you been up to besides PG study and research?We are interested in submissions that reveal your creative side as well as any other ‘side projects’ you want to tell us about!

For this issue, we have a collage submission from Pia and a photograph from Nikos.

What has always fascinated me most about collages/montages is the juxtaposition (and intended clash) of images that allows for the deconstruction of the single images’ meaning in creating new meaning through the process of changing the context in which the images are read.

- PIA E.M. NOTTEBAUM PHD 3RD YEAR, DEPARTMENT OF POLITICS, PHILOSOPHY & RELIGION


CREATIVITY CORNER

The important thing in our lives is to keep the memories alive. People easily forget : who they wanted to be, why they loved someone, what was their favorite place to hide.

Photography for me is not only about aesthetics, but mostly about learning to remember.

- ANTZOULATOS NIKOSMASTERS STUDENT,

SUSTAINABILITY, INNOVATION & DESIGN

Help us help you!Do you enjoy reading PostScript? Are there particular features you’d like to see in the magazine? Or is there something you’d like to change?

If so, then please get in touch and tell us how we can improve the content to suit your interests. You can do this by emailing us at [email protected] and sending us your thoughts and suggestions!

1

Lancaster University Postgraduate MagazinePost Script Issue 01 October 2010

Lancaster Guide

Student Experiences

Events Calendar

Postgraduate Tips

1

Lancaster University Postgraduate MagazinePost Script

Issue 01 October 2010

Lancaster Guide

Student Experiences

Events Calendar

Postgraduate Tips


8 Recommended Books for your Postgraduate CourseJames writes about eight invaluable books for writing and researching.

Regardless of whether you’re doing a Masters or PhD full-time or part-time, one

thing is certain: you’ll definitely be reading lots and lots of books and articles. While the majority of these will be related to your particular field of study, there are still plenty of other texts out there which may offer you support. Having spent five years doing a PhD, I had the chance to discover and read many of these, a few of which are presented below. Whilst some relate directly to the process of carrying out independent research, others pertain more to the psychological aspects of becoming a writer and academic. If there are other books you think should have been included on this list, why not suggest them on PostScript’s Facebook page?

1 The Research Student’s Guide to Success by Pat Cryer. One of the first,

and still one of the most helpful, ‘How to write a thesis’ books that I read during my PhD. Cryer covers the whole process of doing a research project and writes in an easy and accessible manner. Notable chapters are Chapters Fourteen (Getting into a Productive Routine) and Twenty (Developing Ideas through Creative Thinking).

2 The Essential Guide to Doing Research by Zina O’Leary. Similar to Cryer’s

text, this one walks the reader step-by-step through a research project from conceptualisation to publication. The most constructive chapter for me was on how to construct a research question and what methodologies are most applicable in answering it. Basically, it gives the reader a general overview about what to expect in completing your first major piece of solitary research.

3 Reading at University: A guide for students by Gavin and Sue Fairbairn.

Given all the books you’ve read, it might seem crazy to invest time in learning how to do something you consider quite easy to do. Having said this, you might gleam a few useful nuggets from this text, especially as you’ll be reading plenty of books, articles and other documents throughout the next few months. I found the chapter on note-taking particularly worthwhile.

4 Authoring a PhD by Patrick Dunleavy. Dunleavy’s book is an exceptionally

practical and eloquent text which clearly

BOOKSHELF


demonstrates why he’s led thesis-writing courses for over ten years. Unlike Cryer and O’Leary, Dunleavy avoids commenting on the research process per se and focuses instead on the actual dissertation. He also provides plenty of tips for those of you in science or management who work regularly with charts, figures, graphics and numerical data. Definitely one of my top three.

5 The Clockwork Muse by Eviatar Zerubavel. Although not as thick as

some of the other books on this list, this one nevertheless packs plenty of useful tips into its 111 pages. A sociologist by trade, Zerubavel’s text excels in detailing the nitty-gritty of writing and how to go about the process. Chapter Five, The Mechanics of Progress, is especially helpful for those of you wondering about how to create and maintain a productive writing schedule.

6 Doing a Literature Review by Chris Hart. An excellent book which, despite

its mundane title, teaches readers as much about analysing and synthesising ideas as it does about taking care of that all-important component in any doctoral thesis. Hart’s other book Doing a Literature Search is also very valuable.

7 The Wadsworth Handbook (9th ed.) by Laurie Kirszner and Stephen

Mandell. This one has it all: grammar and punctuation advice; how to plan, draft, re-draft and proof your work; what makes a coherent paragraph; how to reference properly using the MLA, APA or Chicago styles; how to use visual material and other data, etc. It’s aimed primarily at an undergrad audience but if you substitute their use of ‘papers’ and ‘essays’ for

‘chapters’ and ‘dissertations’ most of the advice is quite applicable. Rarely a day goes when I don’t consult this text at least once. The only downside is its £40 cover price but you might find earlier (and cheaper) editions on Amazon.

8 How to Stop Worrying and Start Living by Dale Carnegie. Perhaps

better known for How to Win Friends and Influence People, in this book Carnegie provides real-life anecdotes from people of all walks of life who have conquered worry. Despite the frequent references to late nineteenth-century historical figures, this book is invaluable for those of us suffering from procrastination and perfectionism. I’ve included it here because, if you’re anything like me, you may find yourself continually thinking and worrying about your thesis whenever you’re not working on it. Well-worth a read if the stress is starting to build, especially during those last few months of your course. It’s also nice to read that your concerns about your work are nothing too serious when compared to the challenges and worries of other people. PS

- JAMES TOMASSONFINAL YEAR PHD, SOCIOLOGY

BOOKSHELF


PERSPECTIVE

The Creative Writing department is tucked away on a floor of County Main

somewhere between the Linguistics and English departments. It may be a small department that not many other than its students know about, but it does seem to have received international recognition. Enough for a student as far flung as Pakistan to apply and gain admission, at the very least. But there was something that drove me here: unlike conventional writing programs, Lancaster University’s offered a cross genre environment that would allow me to work in different genres. Plus, there were the one on one tutorial sessions with my professors at the end of term; another plus. Then there was, and this was the greatest plus of all, the writers’ residence that took place at Ty Newydd Wales.

There is a reason why so many former students have held the residential week in high esteem. It is absolutely brilliant and it may stem from being away from the University’s academic environment for a week, if only to recharge. In a way,

Writers’ Residence at Ty Newydd:A week to rechargeMaryam reports on how a writers’ residence away from the University environment inspired one writer to put pen to paper for a writing bonanza.


it isn’t just about the workshops held in the breathtaking retreat, nor about all the writing you get done. It soon becomes a journey into getting to know a little better the people you’ll be writing and reading with for the next nine months. And our class, as we’ve been told time and again, is incredibly blessed as a group.

Workshops during the five days of the residential were different from workshops held during term, which involve reading and writing pieces you will be compiling and presenting at the end of term or on working on an independent project or projects. During the residential, however, we were treated to unique workshops organised by Helen Farish, Paul Farley and George Green. Dr Farish is the course convener for the year and she convened two workshops while we had one session each with Professors Green and Farley. What can I say about the workshops? As a writer, Dr Green’s workshop encouraged me to write so much that my hand literally felt like it couldn’t write anymore, which was the point. Speed writing: writing whatever comes to mind based on a prompt, within five minutes. Somehow, minds work better under a stringent deadline and I wouldn’t limit this to just the “artistic” mind, either. Within two hours I had written over 3,000 words in one sitting without getting up and this was by far the most writing I had done in contribution to my project: a novel. Professor Farley’s workshop had a different vibe to it entirely and brought me face-to-face with a brand new form of writing: ekphrasis, transliterating a visual representation into text. It’s a lot harder than it would first appear. Dr Farish’s workshops concluded the sessions with more conventional writing. The week’s work was then compiled into an anthology

aptly entitled ‘In Monochrome’, a copy of which lies in the University’s library for anyone to read.

What separates a writers’ residence from an ordinary day at the University pursuing a largely relaxed degree (but not too relaxed; we do have to present a critical essay and portfolio in September) is the environment. It might seem like an oxymoron to state that writing can be inhibited in a University where it’s being pursued as a professional qualification/degree. It might be, true, but it’s also a fact. The writers’ residence truly freed our individual creative spirits, bonded us by allowing groups to enjoy the seaside and beach that Wales offers, the unparamounted beauty it provides and to do it at an accelerated pace. I think it’s safe to say that I wrote a lot more in that brief sojourn and it was such an amazing experience. Waking up and breakfasting, surrounded by writers; working in the kitchen, helping to prepare the meal of the evening, surrounded by writers.

For someone who has had to struggle just to make it this far, pursuing a degree in an “uncertain” field far from home, this was the pinnacle of everything I had wanted ever since I “decided” to become a writer, aged eleven.

Now…if only they held a writers’ residence every term. PS

- MARYAM PIRACHA MASTERS STUDENT,

CREATIVE WRITING

“”

I think it’s safe to say that I wrote a lot more

in that brief sojourn and it was such an amazing

experience.

PERSPECTIVE


Lancaster Law School has a vibrant postgraduate body of around 50 students

from all over the world and places a high value not only on exceptional standards of teaching and research, but also on the social integration and community spirit of the department. Ranked as the number one Law School in the North West (Times Good University Guide 2009), Lancaster provides a broad range of taught postgraduate degrees across international law, human rights, business and corporate law, bioethics and medical law, and research degrees across a wide range of areas in which staff have expertise. The department also offers combined programmes with the

Introducing Lancaster Law SchoolWant to know more about other Departments at Lancaster University? Then send us your Department Introductions for inclusion in future issues of PostScript!

In this issue, Ellie, an MA/LLM student, introduces the Law Department.

PERSPECTIVE


Post Script is now on Facebook! Visit our site and keep up to date with events, post comments or join our dis-cussion board. The page will be used as a way of getting in touch with other postgraduates and integrating your views into the magazine.

See: http://www.facebook.com/pages/PostScript-Magazine/110395305695897 or simply go to Facebook, and type in PostScript Magazine.

“”

Management School and the Department of Politics, Philosophy & Religion and has plans to launch both a new contract law module and a flexible-study unit as part of its Masters programme in the next academic year.

In addition to enjoying top-class programmes and teaching, students are encouraged to gain as much academic experience and practical knowledge as possible during their time at Lancaster. To that end, the Law School runs a highly popular research seminar series and hosts regular careers events and commercial awareness courses, organised by the department’s dedicated careers officer. The student body is equally active in the development of extra-curricular opportunities – 2010 saw the launch of the Working International Law Paper Series (WILPS), run by students as a forum in which to showcase their work and gain experience of the academic publishing process. The officers of the Law Society run a fantastic pro-bono programme, enabling students to gain valuable practical experience through organisations such as the Citizens Advice Bureau, Innocence Project and the Streetlaw Project, as well as organising the mooting club, which competes across the country.

With all that opportunity for hard work, it’s just as well that the Law School

caters so generously for play time too! Regular socials provide an opportunity to meet fellow course mates and staff, make new friends and take a break from studying – recent events have included an afternoon tea party and an inter-departmental quiz night. Additionally, the Law Society runs separate social events for its members and hosts the annual Law Ball for undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Most of all, Lancaster Law School is centred around its students. The feedback and opinion of the student community has helped shape the development of the department – its outstanding academic reputation is matched by its commitment to an inclusive and engaging student experience. PS

- ELLIE BROOKS MA/LLM, INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

AND INTERNATIONAL LAW

The Law School runs a highly popular research seminar series and hosts

regular careers events and commercial awareness

courses, organised by the department's dedicated

careers officer.

PERSPECTIVE


Films & Plays1.Das Boot: This film is, for me, the best war film ever made.

It does not glorify war - there are no heroes, just frightened men. The closed environment of the U-Boat leaves nowhere to hide, either from yourself, the

enemy, or your comrades. As well as being a great study of men under pressure it is also a good action film, so it is exciting as well.

2.District 9: The film addresses the issues of race and racialism, as well as the military/industrial complex, with the twist that the underdogs are a race of shrimp-like aliens who like to eat cat food and are being exploited themselves by Nigerian gangsters. Set in South Africa to provide irony, and remind us of those harsh Afrikans’ accents. Shot with close-up hand held intimacy provides the film with a sense of realism.

3.Children of Men: An adaptation of P.D. James’ only science fiction book. The intriguing plot is that there are no more children being born, euthanasia is the norm, migrants are being turfed out of Britain and the south coast is a refugee camp where order is maintained by the British army. Good action and a great performance from Michael Caine; not a lot of people know that.

4.The Tempest: Shipwreck, a magician, a beast, a beautiful girl. Shakespeare’s Tempest has it all. Not everyone lives happily ever after in this Tragedy.

5.Copenhagen: Fascinating imaginary verbal joust between two dead nuclear physicists, one who developed a bomb and one who didn't. Could Hitler have produced a Bomb? Listen to these two and decide for yourself. You'll have to concentrate though, this is not easy listening! PS

- GRAHAM ROBSON3RD YEAR PHD STUDENT,

DEPARTMENT OF POLITICS, PHILOSOPHY & RELIGION

TOP 5

➤ Did you know...A new Woodland Walk and Trim Trail has opened around campus in the hope of encouraging staff and students to take more exercise and fully appreciate Lancaster’s campus. The walk runs through 2.6 miles of woodland around the perimeter of campus whilst the trim trail, which starts on Alexandra Park, has 11 exercise stations including balance beams, pole climbs and hurdles and is designed to suit all levels of ability.

My Top 5…


CURRENT EVENTS

TUITION FEE INCREASESCUTS TO HIGHER EDUCATION

Have you attended any of the recent student protests? How effective do you think they were? Write to us, or join discussions on our Facebook page. Photographs by Samantha Newsham, 3rd Year PhD, Mathematics


[http://matt.might.net/articles/phd-school-in-pictures/]

The Illustrated Guide to a PhD by Matt Might

Imagine a circle that contains all of human knowledge: By the time you finish elementary school, you know a little:

By the time you finish high school, you know a bit more:

With a bachelor’s degree, you gain a specialty:

A master’s degree deepens that specialty: Reading research papers takes you tothe edge of human knowledge:


Keep pushing.

Once you’re at the boundary, you focus: You push at the boundary for a few years:

Until one day, the boundary gives way: And, that dent you’ve made is called a Ph.D.:

Of course, the world looks different to you now: So, don’t forget the bigger picture:

PostScript Magazine Call for SubmissionsWe’d like to hear from you! Next deadline: 1st May, 2011➤ Do you enjoy writing?

➤ Are you interested in networking with other students?

➤ Would you like to share your experiences with other postgraduates?

Then consider submitting to PostScript! We accept a variety of content and suggestions are always welcome:

• reviews of books, articles or conferences• commentaries about political/social issues• tips for other postgraduates• information about your research• reviews of recent social events on campus or in Lancaster• artwork, illustrations, photography

To submit to PostScript, please adhere to the following guidelines for submissions:

• All submissions should be sent in a word document to [email protected].

• As a general rule, we ask that longer articles be kept within 500-1500 words, and reviews such as books or conferences between 250-800 words.

• Please be sure to send photographic works, illustrations, or artwork as a separate file (not in a word document), and ensure the images are high quality with an approximate file size of 8-12 MB. All original work will be credited and copyrighted accordingly.

Documents

Post Script Magazine Vol 2