Tuesday, May 4, 2010

V's Pick #32: Graduate Study for the 21st Century by Gregory Colon Semenza

I was advised to read this book by my thesis director and all I can say is that I've let everyone I can know that this book should be given to every single graduate student in the Humanities prior to their first class. From how to know who's in charge of what in the department to how to make them most of your seminar classes, to how to write your CV, what to expect when you attend a conference and of course, how to get a job - this book is the graduate version of one of the those quirky freshman handbooks on how to not piss off your roommate.

While much of it applies to a PhD program, there are many similarities to the MA and PhD requirements which make this an instrumental tool for me not only in ways of the Comp Exam and Thesis but also in graining knowledge about what kind of insane I would need to be to consider a PhD in English. Did you know on average, it takes 6 years to get a PhD? I just can't see myself doing that...ever.

Anyway, I won't spoil it all for you, but I will say this is THE book to get if you find yourself PhD-curious in the Humanities or if you're a grad student facing some of the challenges I am.

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