Extended Essay : Reflection RPPF

1st Reflection - History

I was attracted to Anna Comnena's The Alexiad as a result of some extra readings which formed part of my IB History course (Crusades). As the first female historian, she stands in a unique place in terms of historiography, something which appealed to me as both a woman and budding historian. I was initially considering writing about her accounts of the First Crusade but quickly found the topic to be far too wide in scope. A reading of Paul Magdalino's article "The Pen of the Aunt" helped refocus me on the issue of historical purpose, i.e., why she wrote the history she did. I have now allocated time to reading historical accounts of Manuel I's reign to decide how closely the events Anna mentions in her history of her father's reign (Alexius) so as to validate my current hypothesis-  that Anna intended the work as a celebratory account of her father so as to cast a negative light on the rule of her nephew Manuel I. My current list includes Runciman, France, Macrides, Christomides, and Hill.

The Second Reflection session usually falls in the latter half of your EE process. Use the prompts below to help guide your reflection and discussion with your supervisor. (Think 175-250 words)

• Do I have a reasoned argument that can be sustained throughout the essay?
• Did I make coherent links between different points made and the evidence presented?
• To what extent have I answered my research question?
• What reasons may have affected my ability to answer my research question?
• If I have been selective in the evidence presented in my essay, can I justify my choices?
• Is there a clear summative conclusion, and does this reflect the discussion that has taken place?
• To what extent do I think I have fulfilled the expectations of the extended essay as a task?
• Has my research resulted in me changing my perspective or views on the topic in question?
• What strategies have I employed that have worked particularly well at this stage of the process?

2nd Reflection - History 

I was finding it hard to come up with a satisfactory counter to the question of accuracy and authenticity which feature prominently in modern readings of her work. Historians ranging from Edward Gibbon and John France to the more direct Howard-Johnson paper which completely challenges her authorship effectively negated my hypothesis entirely. Using Magdalino and Hill as a focus point, I re-read key sections of The Alexiad and mapped out her account against the policital events of Manuel I's reign and quickly discovered some interesting overlaps (building works, military campaigns, relations with the West, etc.). Though occasionally obscure and subtle, the criticisms emerge by means of an unspoken comparison which Byzantine readers of her account would have well understood. This approach is providing me with a suitable counter to the aforementioned criticisms. I have also begun structuring my work accordingly with sections devoted to historical context followed by a section on The Alexiad which compares and contrasts events from Alexius' time with those of Manuel's. I am considering a chapter on the historiographical tradition of Byzantium but may integrate it into the main body in the end.

The Third Reflection can be written before the Viva Voce meeting to help you prepare for the conversation and after you have submitted your final draft. (Think 175-250 words)

• What did you discover that surprised you?

• Is writing the EE mainly about process or product AND why?

• What would you have done differently and why?

• What advice would you give to a student just beginning this process?

• What have been the high and low points of the research and writing processes?

• What would you have done differently?

• What is the most important thing that you learned?

• What was your greatest challenge and how did you overcome it?

• What would you change if you did another EE?

• What was the most valuable experience that you took away from the process?

• What was your greatest challenge and what did you do to overcome it?

• What IB learner profile attribute would you say helped you through the process (communicator, risk-taker, etc.)?

• Would you like to continue reading on this topic?

• What questions did this process raise?

• What conclusions have you drawn about the topic?

3rd Reflection - History

I am very pleased with how the essay has turned out. Skills wise, I had no problems with referencing which I picked up quickly though integrating source analysis did prove a challenge at times due to my narrative tendencies. I believe I've been able to challenge the orthodox interpretations of Anna's work as a piece of fantasy fiction at the hands of a disgruntled woman by showing that Anna was effectively using one of the few weapons still permitted her in her diminished political state- the power of words- to criticize the existing leadership. Hill's works proved of particular use to me as they examined female power in a broader context and thus gave me a framework for interpreting what Anna was able to do within the context of her time.

Source: Shekou Int School Libguide