On Wednesday, February 7, 2018, Professor Brenner and I met for about an hour for the first time this semester to discuss the future of my research. We discussed some of the future paths my research can take in terms of methodology. We also addressed some of the different historical aspects that I have to take into account in my research like Cuba’s dual currency. Professor Brenner has since then sent me different articles to better understand the role of dual currency in my research area.

I presented Dr. Brenner with the idea of conducting a discourse analysis for my research in order to focus on the shift of official discourse. I got this idea from the Collective Advising Workshop, many professors noted that one of the most interesting aspects of my research question is the possible shift in discourse. The professors suggested that I look into a discourse analysis in order to have a complete focus on the official discourse of the Cuban government stance towards FDI. Dr. Brenner noted that I did have no need to conduct a discourse analysis in order to convey the importance or message of my research. By conducting a case-study approach I can still highlight the shift in government discourse with the right variable operationalization.

I also asked Dr. Brenner about different sources I can use to incorporate the popular discourse of the Cuban people. This is a rather fine line since many blogs centered around Cuba are solely focused on attacking or defending the Cuban government and there are very little non-partisan blogs. He did recommend I explore the blogs: OnCuba, Cuba Possible, Espacio Laical, CubaDebate, Temas, and explore different song lyrics of artist that comment on Cuba’s economy. I plan on utilizing most of these sources in a variable that measures the unofficial discourse in Cuba centered around the implementations of FDI.