Because I'm a Grad School Snob

My second semester has begun. And I've realized something about myself: I am a grad school snob.

 

I am currently taking a class for my third field that is crosslisted as an undergraduate class. It is a class that I wanted to take to learn about a topic in Public History with which I am not very familiar. The information so far has, for the most part, been new and interesting. Then there's the format.

 

Kids, it's been a long time since I've sat in a lecture room. Even longer since I've sat there and listened to a lecture for two and a half hours. Every week. I'm so used to the grad school paradigm of the wizened professor sitting at a conference table directing discussion of the topics found in that week's readings with ten to twelve students sitting around the table answering questions and expounding upon the points raised in the book or article. Sitting in a lecture class has become foreign to me. And, in many respects, I don't like it.

 

However, in the interest of finding the positive in all situations, here are some of the good things about lecture classes:

 

1) I really am getting some good information. I now actually understand township, range, section, and all that stuff.

2) Undergrads dress funny and therefore amuse me.

3) I can really sit back an absorb without worrying about what my next contribution to the conversation will be. I can let my brain be fully focused on what is being said by the professor.

4) Or, if that doesn't work, I can let my brain wander its way on our upcoming trip to Ireland and Italy without worrying about being called on to contribute to the conversation.

5) Having (more) time to write funny things in my margins. At least things that I find funny.

6) Instead of papers every week, we have two tests and a project. I almost don't know what to do with that.

 

There are a couple of things I don't like, including:

 

1) I feel like my class discussion skills and assertiveness, which had improved last semester, might atrophy.

2) The chairs aren't nearly as comfortable as in a conference/seminar room.

 

We shall see how I feel about it as the semester progresses. Perhaps it will be the perfect compliment to my other, more traditional graduate course. Time will tell.