After reading and writing about various interpretations from other historians, the dissertation is the graduate student’s glorious opportunity to conduct research and make a humble original contribution to the field. Mom and Dad will surely read it. You can also probably count on a future graduate student who studies a similar topic giving it a peek.

For a select few, the dissertation can lead to a publishing contract. After this, you spend time working with editors to convert your jargon filled, theory heavy dissertations into a more readable book format. From there, if it’s deemed “important,” unsuspecting freshman get assigned your book, you give a book talk on CSPAN-2, and viewers flood your inbox with fan mail. Before you know it, you start sleeping in tweed pajamas and referring to yourself exclusively in the third person:

We’re putting the cart before the horse though. Initially, it’s only a very small and specific audience that matters. Whether, someone goes on to win a Bancroft or self publishes online, everyone must first convince their dissertation committee that their research is up to snuff. The committee gives you a needed outside perspective on the weaknesses of your research and makes you aware of areas that need to be defended more vigorously. Ultimately, the committee needs to sign off on your work.

How does one even go about writing a history book? For all of the formal schooling a history student can go through, it’s easy to feel ill-equipped to take on original research. A lot of programs emphasize analysis, but you’re kind of left to your own devices to figure out nitty gritty research logistics. Luckily, the dissertation committee doesn’t just act as gatekeepers. They’ve been through the research process many times before and can give you advice on what research questions to ask, who to talk to, and how to start.

---

For me, I started with a conversation with my main advisor, Dr. Naison. As I mentioned in a previous post, he suggested I take up biographical research on Edler G. Hawkins. Hawkins’s name kept coming up in Dr. Naison’s Bronx African American History Project (BAAHP) interviews.

I can’t predict what my dissertation committee thinks or whether any publisher will care about what I’m trying to write, but I believe in what I’m doing. I think Edler’s story is more relevant today than ever and could be a meaningful read for folks from all different walks of life. Edler passed away in 1977, but I still think he has a lot left to say. I’m going to keep researching and listening as best as I can. Read my next entry for a general background on Hawkins, Morrisania, and some of his local activism.

---