I In the 20th century, what I disliked about the patriarchy was being told, simultaneously, that I would not do well enough to satisfy men, but also that I must not do well enough to scare them or any other authorities. In the 21st century what I dislike about authoritarian society, aside from corporatization and … More On Authoritarianism
Cast of Characters: Professor Zero, a male Student, and the student’s Son. Son, 4, is wearing baggy jeans, hi-tops, and a T-shirt. Sticking out of his backpack is his bilingual alphabet book. Student: Professor Zero, I have come to introduce myself and my son. I have a very great favor to ask you. May I … More C’est Charmant
Every professor of literature must eventually write a post on Shakespeare, so this is mine. A friend left teaching because he was tired of explaining things to people. I do not at all mind explaining things to students, but I am definitely tired of explaining things to faculty. One of the things I routinely explain … More On Shakespeare
I liked college and graduate school, and I like them even more in retrospect since the behavior of some faculty at places I have been since has been so poor. Yet I have friends from college and even graduate school who use words like “trauma” and “gulag” to refer to our alma mater. I would … More On Graduate School
When my dedicated colleague retires, which is sure to happen soon, what should I do about the honor society? I cannot stand it, I cannot tolerate organizations whose names are comprised of Greek letters, and the initiation ceremony is genuinely Fascist. As it is the party must be held in my house, as my house … More Another Serious Question
A friend tells me I am an unusual professor because, although I am research oriented and work at a research institution, I care about undergraduate education. I see his point but I wonder, is it really true? 1. I do not feel that I care about lower division instruction. It does matter to me, and … More An Unusual Professor?
The concept of citizenship is apparently difficult. Many people do not know what it is. They are nationalistic and they want immigrants, for instance, “to know our language and our culture, to understand our form of government and our laws.” Yet they tend not to believe in the rights of “man” and citizen. Daniel Brook’s … More The Idea of Citizenship
Please see Patricia J. Williams on the DOE report, “A Test of Leadership: Charting the Future of U.S. Higher Education.” Here is an excerpt from the article, with a key quotation from the report: “Student achievement, which is inextricably connected to institutional success, must be measured by institutions on a ‘value-added’ basis that takes into … More On Academic Freedom and the Spellings Report
THEN: Person: You are the tenured person and the one with the grownup house, so you should host the department party. PZ: How novel and interesting to be in this position. Out of exoticism I will definitely host this party. Besides, it is now my duty to do so. NOW: Person: You are the tenured … More On Collegiality and Service
This is a post I know the Paper Chaser will appreciate. Job candidates, wear your jackets, and ties if applicable, no matter what anyone says! Last year one of ours did not and it was because the instructors and graduate students had told him at the arrival from airport party that it was not necessary. They said … More Why Job Candidates Should Wear Jackets
coldhearted scientist وداد 