3.488 PhDs, computers, humanists (56)
Willard McCarty (MCCARTY@vm.epas.utoronto.ca)
Sun, 24 Sep 89 15:22:02 EDT
Humanist Discussion Group, Vol. 3, No. 488. Sunday, 24 Sep 1989.
(1) Date: Thu, 21 Sep 89 22:09:59 IST (15 lines)
From: Ronen Shapira <RONEN1@TAUNIVM>
Subject: ph.d. and computers
(2) Date: Fri, 22 Sep 89 08:31:03 CDT (21 lines)
From: "Kevin L. Cope" <ENCOPE@LSUVM>
Subject: Predictions Concerning the Shortage of Huamnists
(1) --------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Thu, 21 Sep 89 22:09:59 IST
From: Ronen Shapira <RONEN1@TAUNIVM>
Subject: ph.d. and computers
i must say that i am puzzled by the postings that rcommended against the
use of commputers in ph.d, maybe because i am thinking about such a thesis.
the qustion i have is weather this recommendation is for any use of computer or
just for getting to much involved with them? that is, what about using existing
databases, software and hardware without trying to develop knew ones?
it seems to me that the recommendation against the use of computers can apply
to any research done with them in humanities. one cam always say that mastering
the knew techniques consume precious time that could be used for more "fruitus"
activities.
ronen shapira
tel aviv
(2) --------------------------------------------------------------25----
Date: Fri, 22 Sep 89 08:31:03 CDT
From: "Kevin L. Cope" <ENCOPE@LSUVM>
Subject: Predictions Concerning the Shortage of Huamnists
Mr. Bob Kraft wonders whether or not I believe the predictions that
humanists will be in short supply in coming years. My answer is yes and
no. Yes there probably will be a shortage, but no, it probably won't
be as serious as predicted. Mr. Kraft will surely recall that the
overproduction of Ph.D.s in the 1960s and 1970s resulted from predictions
of an expansionist market. Isn't it wiser to aim for a steady, regular
supply than to waver between over- and under-supply, over-exploiting every
opening or grieving over every shortage?
As for persons who might want to return to the academy: I've directed the
work of several dissertations of persons who are well beyond the normal
graduate school age (persons in their 40s and 50s). I've never found
that academics welcome these people (or persons who have been out of the
academy for any time). Rather, these persons are usually met confronted with
age, culture, class, and ideology discrimination of the worst kind. The
most serious offenders are against older students are generally younger
scholars who present themselves as social activists or reformers.