The Authentic Dissertation: Alternative Ways of Knowing, Research, and Representation

1. The Authentic Dissertation:Alternative Ways of Knowing, Research, and Representation Four Arrows (Don Trent Jacobs) Routledge, 2008

2. Four Arrows • Born 1946 • Cherokee, Muscogee Creek and Scots-Irish • Past Dean of Education at Oglala Lakota College • Past associate professor at Northern Arizona University • Author of several books • University professor, writer and activist for American Indian rights whose work has focused on indigenous worldviews, wellness and counter-hegemonic education • Currently a Professor at Fielding Graduate University, USA

3. Dissertation • “Discussion, debate," from L. dissertationem (nom. dissertatio) "discourse“ • A long essay on a particular subject, esp. one written as a requirement for the Doctor of Philosophy degree • Cf. thesis: from Gk. thesis "a proposition,“ dissertation written by a candidate for a university degree (bachelor’s or master’s)

4. Formal Education • Concept universally acknowledged as a major resource for maintaining and improving the social, economic, physical and spiritual health of our world • Doctoral programs represent the highest level of such education • Doctoral work is the pinnacle event in them • “Doctor” originally used to denote "Church father," and later "religious teacher, adviser, scholar," even later applied to medicine

5. However … • Many educators are not satisfied that this culminating product is really doing all that much to solve the challenges facing us in the 21st century • A number believe the “academy” may be partially responsible for our collective inability to significantly mitigate warfare, global warming, social and ecological injustices, domestic violence, loss of habitat, racism, economic despair, loss of the commons, etc.

6. Authors and Dissertations in Text • Dissertation authors featured in the text recognize how tapping into more diverse perspectives, more authentic experience and reflection, and more creative abilities can address the problems • Stories in the text are authentic, are spiritual undertakings and reflections that honor the centrality of the researcher’s voice, experience, creativity and authority

7. These Researchers’ Dissertations • Focus more on important questions than on research methodologies per se • Seek to make the world a better place • Move away from an over-emphasis on academic writing if it tends to stifle creativity or one’s true voice • Are aware of shortcomings in the English language

8. (continued) • Tend to be interdisciplinary • Do not fall for the “myth of objectivity” • Do not rely on external authorities • Reveal virtues (generosity, patience, courage, respect, humility, fortitude, etc.) • Align with sustainable priorities • Are not overly anthropocentric in nature • Remember that art, music and story telling are living information systems

9. (continued) • Are situated in experience • Respect multiple culturally determined ways of thinking and living • Care about and contribute to social and ecological justice • Comprehend the true value of diversity • Regard the people’s version of reality • Challenge all forms of oppression

10. (continued) • Are critical of cultural and educational hegemony • Appreciate dreaming and visions as potentially valid resources for knowledge • Recognize the pitfalls of male-dominated, white-Western world • See service to others as a component of research • Honor traditional Indigenous ways of knowing

11. (continued) • Understand the power of stories, music, and other forms of art as a source of wisdom • Reveal mindfulness each step of the way • Appreciate the role of sacrifice in the journey • Pay attention to perennial cycles and wisdom in nature • Remember to look for life’s beauty and joy

12. Goals of the Book • Not to replace the historical values of academic research in the Western tradition • But only to challenge some of these values and offer alternative ides that stem from different, sometimes opposing values • In contrast to some scholars’ concerns regarding the potential for less rigor, quality and excellence, such work may be more likely to reach standards of excellence compared with projects whose authors are stifled by the confines of academic rules and habits

13. Aspects of “Excellent” Dissertations • There is no set formula that leads to excellence • Outstanding dissertations defy explication [to analyze a literary work thoroughly, giving full attention to its complexities of form and meaning] • Faculty “said such dissertations display a richness of thought and insight and make an important breakthrough”

14. (continued) • Such dissertations are a pleasure to read • “The faculty members [describe] students who produce outstanding dissertations as very creative and intellectually adventurous” • The dissertations “leap into new territory and transfer ideas from place to place” • The dissertation writer “used or developed new tools”

15. (continued) • The dissertation pushes the discipline’s boundaries and opens new areas for research • Outstanding students typically think and work independently