The Boast Post

[SleepyWitch]

Thanks, Sleepy! Yes, these exams are to make sure that we've both got a comprehensive knowledge of our field and can discuss at the level a professor should be able to. It consists of reading three thematic lists covering over 100 works of literature and then being questioned about whatever comes to mind of the professors the day of the exams.

that sounds tough. I wonder why we don't have that over here. we've only got the defense, as far as I'm aware. maybe this kind of exam would help to separate the sheep from the goats. do you only have to take this Fields Exam if you want to teach at univ or also if you stay at home and take a PhD for fun?

I'll join kratsy's and your PhD thread one of these days. I'm still working on my graduation thesis in English Linguistics (equivalent to M.A. thesis. 60-80 pages), but my prof wants me to take a PhD later on. I don't want to do it, but he keeps badgering me. will explain all the pros and cons later

[kiz_paws]

Just felt like boasting about it a bit... We had our last day in college today, in honour of which a grand cultural program (organised by us students) was held- the first item of the program being a song written and tuned by me. Sung by me and another 3 friends (that includes ahsiam and gothic, by the way), with me on keyboard and another friend playing the guitar, it didnt go that bad (though was sounding a bit shaky during the bridge before the chorus). And i was pleased to know everyone enjoyed it and thought the last bit was presented particularly well. And guess what? That last bit was fully done by me and ahsiam!

Congrats, to you symphony, ahsiam and gothic -- it sounds like you had a very fun time!

[Petrarch's Love]

that sounds tough. I wonder why we don't have that over here. we've only got the defense, as far as I'm aware. maybe this kind of exam would help to separate the sheep from the goats. do you only have to take this Fields Exam if you want to teach at univ or also if you stay at home and take a PhD for fun?

Yes, it was tough, and a deep to relief to have it over with. At most universities you have to take the exam if you want a PhD, regardless of the purpose. The exact requirements for the degree can vary among institutions, so I suppose there may be programs out there without field exams, but none I've ever heard of.

I'll join kratsy's and your PhD thread one of these days. I'm still working on my graduation thesis in English Linguistics (equivalent to M.A. thesis. 60-80 pages), but my prof wants me to take a PhD later on. I don't want to do it, but he keeps badgering me. will explain all the pros and cons later

Hey, another potential PhD joins the group. Good luck with that M.A. thesis, and I'll be interested to see what you decide about the doctorate down the line. Would be interested to hear the pros and cons, but perhaps on another thread so we don't get in the way of the boasting going on around here.

[Pensive]

Congratulations symphony, ahsiam and gothic!

[kratsayra]

Just passed my Doctoral Fields Exams today. A years preperation, and it all went by so fast! Now all I have to do is write the dissertation. Might help to come up with an idea for one first.

Yay, congrats! (sorry for the belated message, I'll have to visit this thread more often)

I have finally received word that my written exam was fine, and now my oral exam is scheduled for this coming Thursday. So I will hold off on the celebration until that is over with.

[Lioness_Heart]

Good luck Lioness - I had an interview at Oxford many, many moons ago (I didn't get in!) and my advice to you would be, be prepared (I wasn't), be yourself (I wasn't), don't be nervous, and say what you think. I think what they are looking for is people who can think independently, show some spark, and the rest of it comes down to whether they like you or not, I'm afraid. Which college have you applied to?

I applied to Wadham, but have an interview at St Anne's. I'm swinging between excited and nervous at the moment!

[Niamh]

Wowo Lioness! I wish you the best of luck!!!!
Good to see you on site again!

[browneyedbailey]

My Birthay is in 16 more days today!!! I'll be 13.

[Granny5]

My Birthay is in 16 more days today!!! I'll be 13.

Oh My Gosh!!! You should have told me!!!
(just kidding )

[browneyedbailey]

you knew.

[Granny5]

Oh yeah...guess I did.

[browneyedbailey]

Lair.

[Granny5]

Lair.

Bailey, do you think that's getting a little too familiar with your Granny??
Let's be careful.

[thescholar]

I read lines 1-227 of macbeth today in half an hour, despite finding shakespeare insufferable

[browneyedbailey]

My Birthay is in 16 more days today!!! I'll be 13.

Oh My Gosh!!! You should have told me!!!
(just kidding )

you knew.

Oh yeah...guess I did.

Lair.

I was just kidding Granny, my dearest Granny...