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Sunday, February 06, 2005
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DR. MARGARET SOLTAN, Ph.D.
Fellow blogger Tyler Curtain points out that Ward Churchill does not hold a Ph.D, though he sometimes apparently calls himself "Doctor." UD has perhaps a slightly odd - slightly snobby - take on the business of titles and degrees -- their use, and their importance in academia. Since this issue, among many issues having to do with Churchill's background, has come up as an object of discussion, she will now share that take with you. First, their use. Any professor who routinely puts Ph.D. after his or her name is, UD assumes, an unimpressive, provincial, vain, and insecure person. The use of Dr. is even worse. It's just like the Wizard of Oz sticking all those letters after his name. It's like the Italians, who are lately in something of a credentials crisis since everyone and his wolfhound is now allowed to style himself Dottore or Professoressa or something: "If you think about it," says one Italian observer, "if everyone is a doctor it's like saying that no one is a doctor. It basically brings us back to the starting point." So what should I call myself? you ask. There are conference papers, syllabi, and nameplates to think of! UD has two suggestions: 1. Your name. Example: Margaret Soltan. 2. Your name plus "Professor." Example: Professor Margaret Soltan. Ahem. Now as to the importance of specific degrees in academia. Does an English department or an ethnic studies program have to consider only Ph.D.'s when it's hiring and promoting? In many cases, perhaps; but not in all. A good department will be confident and original enough to recognize smart and interesting people who do not necessarily have the customary degrees. In many departments of English today, literature classes are taught by creative writers with MFA's as often as they are taught by Ph.D.'s. For an eloquent attack on "The Ph.D. Octopus" by William James, go here. |