2 weeks completed

And I'm still really enjoying it. I've read one novel (The Italian) and I'm whizzing through Frankenstein, which I'm really enjoying. I'm a bit scared because I have to read Kant this weekend and I'm frightened that I won't have a clue what he's on about.

I do think that I'm THINKING more about things though now. Before, I used to go to work, do my job, go home, slump in front of the telly, with not much variation. Now, I watch an awful lot less on the box and talk more to my husband about things that I've read. He did a degree in philosophy and psychology, which helps a lot. But it's funny when we're walking round town or in the pub and we start having conversations like 'You know beauty, what is it?'. It's nice. So, Gothic Studies is the way forward to self improvement and improving communication between spouses.

I had my second class last night

It was the 'Researching Literature' module, which I think I am going to find really helpful. It is basically assistance on how to produce the dissertation. I have never done one before and I think I will really be thankful for the advice on research, bibliographies etc. I could have done with this kind of option at undergraduate level I think.

So, still enjoying it and am managing to move through the reading. I am reading 'The Italian' by Ann Radcliffe and I manage to get through a fair few chunks of it on the train journey to and from work. Another reason not to drive.

I had my first class last night

And I feel most reassured. The tutor was very friendly and helpful and the other person in the class seems to have similar interests and viewpoints, so I think we will have a good time.

I was very nervous before I went and thought that I'd feel a bit thick, but I was soon put at ease. The large reading list has been broken down into manageable chunks with a weekly guide to what we are doing. I feel more confident that I can manage the workload now.

I have investigated the Learning Resouces Centre and managed to find some books. It seems fairly easy. I am going to play around with the LRC's online services and see what I can find on the Internet.

So far, so good!

Hello!

This is my blog about life as a part time, post graduate, mature (if you say so), student at the University of Glamorgan.

I am about to start an MA in Gothic Studies. I haven't been in any form of education for 10 years, so I'm a bit scared really.

When I went to enrol last week, I met the course tutor who was really nice and helpful and I chose my first module that I will be studying this week. I have got a reading list and have already been to the library to get my first books out.

Lots of people have asked what Gothic Studies is and why I am studying it. The course involves looking at gothic literature from the 18th Century to the present really. It is a mixture of literature, philosophy, history and psychology. Well, that's what it looks like to me anyway. I thought it sounded very interesting and would keep me entertained and learning. I haven't studied literature since A level and I'm really looking forward to it.

I will be attending classes 2 nights a week and expect to have to do 10-15 hours extra reading a week as well. I think I'm going to find it hard work.

I work full time here at the University, so I already know my way around, which makes life a bit easier.

I'll keep you posted as to how I am getting on.