Independent Study Advisor

I met my independent study advisor for the first time the other day and it was quite interesting. Now I am technically involved with four universities here in Chile: the Catholic University, the University of Chile, Diego Portales Univesity, and the University of Santiago, Chile. It is pretty intense getting to know all of the University campuses and systems because each one is different.

My independent study advisor is Patricio and he is a history professor at the University of Santiago, Chile. He has been an immense help through the process of my research project.

I am writing this about a month later then when I actually met the professor and all I can say is that this project is a lot of work. The University of Saint Thomas wants me to cover world history from 1500 to the present and I am attempting to learn world history through the lens of Chilean Copper and Neo-liberal Economic policies. It has been a challenge to say the least. My paper cannot just be a history paper it has to have a thesis, thus my thesis is that Neo-Liberal Economic policies have helped the Chilean Copper Industry and the Chilean economy over the years. In the mean time I am trying to glean information about mercantilism, globalization, colonization, independence movements, the international system, etc. all through this lens. To be honest, I don't know how I could write this paper and keep it under 80+ pages. I am starting the long process of writing it now. It is due December 5th, so I have about a month to write. I think it is going to be a stressful month, but when I have a document that is more then 80 pages in length all in Spanish, it will be quite an accomplishment.