Overview:
In the first week, I finalized the research timeline with my mentor over a very productive Zoom call. We agreed on a method of communication that worked both for us, and I continue to update my mentor each week over a Zoom call, with emails remaining the mainstay of our communication. I have gathered enough information to begin assembling together the first part of my project using information from various local libraries, since my project is based in my home country.
Accomplishments:
I have accessed many important documents needed for the literature review portion of the project from local libraries and national archives. I will be proceeding with writing the literature review for my paper by the end of this week.
Since my research is more qualitative than quantitative, I have worked with my mentor to design a suitable mean of presenting and measuring my findings with a non-quantitative methodology.
Part 1 of my research project, which is characterizing the nature of Buddhism and its theological foundations relative to the socio-political climate in Vietnam requires the use of many documents in the local language, which I have obtained professional translations for. I plan to put together the completed Part 1 by the end of the month.
Future Plans:
I plan to begin the second part of the project, which is situating religion in the context of the state and society. This will require background knowledge into sociological methodologies, which I need to read further into to get an understanding.
Challenges:
Obtaining the documents and professional translations have been a major hurdle. Many archives have restricted access and requires an invitation letter from a local university. Nonetheless, I managed to make it work. Another challenge I faced was sticking to the timeline. A lot of the research portion could have done in a shorter period of time, while some could have used more time.