The Mis-Education of Sebastian Wolfe

5 Things University Professors Don’t Want to Accept

sebastianwolfe — Wed, 02 May 2007 14:45:02 +0000

5 Things University Professors Don’t Want to Accept 1. The 60’s ain’t comin’ back – The 1960’s and 70’s were a great time for academia financially. Job growth was enormous, “research” was big business and grants were plentiful. We’re in a slash-n-burn situation, budget cuts mean the milk and honey days are not returning. Time to [...]

Don’t fall for the Foucault trap

sebastianwolfe — Wed, 02 May 2007 01:25:05 +0000

You find this interesting? You think this is the kind of stuff you’ll discuss in grad school? One of my professors ranted incoherently about bio-power *rolling my eyes*. Another professor told me that “if you read Foucault you’ll end up living in a basement apartment with alot of cats.” Finally during my Ph.D. coursework I found [...]

Tales of the Graduate Teaching Assistant: Or The Bodhisattva of LSD (Part II)

sebastianwolfe — Tue, 01 May 2007 15:15:18 +0000

Abstract: This is part two of a recounting of my earliest experience teaching. As a graduate student, my friend Felix and I, were recruited to T.A. for Dr. Samsara. After taking us to lunch we were driven head in to the deep end. “Hey mother-fu$ker,” Felix screamed waving his arms and chasing the van down the [...]

My New Cover Letter: Taking a new tactic in the application process

sebastianwolfe — Mon, 30 Apr 2007 04:54:01 +0000

Abstract: In this blog entry I attempt a new approach to the job search. Dear (insert job title) Search Committee: I meet all the requirements for this job. In fact, I have more education than is needed. I have all the software skills, all the experience working students. I meet ALL the requirements. But you never call [...]

Fun Grad-Educated Facts: Or how do you say reality in Dutch?

sebastianwolfe — Sun, 29 Apr 2007 15:53:20 +0000

The average age of a PhD student in the Netherlands is 29, an overwhelming majority are women – and 40% are foreigners, according to new research by careers magazine Intermediair (IM). The survey indicates that at 13.7%, the unemployment rate among PhD graduates is seven times higher than that of university graduates as a whole. And [...]

MIT Scandal: Everything is Bulls$&t and other not-so-dramatic realizations

sebastianwolfe — Sat, 28 Apr 2007 16:51:02 +0000

“Did you hear?” “About?” I yawn. “The news god damn it.” “No, no, no, no.” I yawn again, this time it lasts several seconds. “I’m just getting up.” “Well this lady at MIT, she lied.” “Uh-huh.” “Turns out she maybe can’t even read.” “Illiterate type huh,” I plop down in front of the computer, “What is she the chancellor, president?” “No, no Director [...]

The Bodhisattva of LSD: Part I

sebastianwolfe — Sat, 28 Apr 2007 06:28:16 +0000

The Bodhisattva of LSD: Part I Abstract: In this article, the topic of LSD, Buddhist enlightenment, and the American fruit-picking industry are discussed vis-à-vis attention to social dynamics of graduate teaching assistants and supervising professors. Special attention is paid to acid-flash backs as well as the contingent nature of “truth” claims. I’m sitting so close to him [...]

The Copy Machine Shuffle: Tales of the Adjunct

sebastianwolfe — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 17:45:30 +0000

Abstract: In this article, I explore through personal narrative the relationship between adjuncts and full-timers and also between adjuncts and support staff. Special attention is given to the issue of age as a factor structuring social interplay. And a 42 year old man who drools on himself gets a tenure-track position. 30, its the new 18 I [...]

Dinner at Professor Z’s house: Tales of Grad School

sebastianwolfe — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 20:00:15 +0000

Abstract: (Like all academics I will summarize my articles into a paragraph so you can skim the abstract and impress the department chair and/or the Dean with the 25 cent version of the tale) This article applies the theory of lowest common denominator and testicular-fondle theory to the phenomena of grad student success and failure. [...]

Hey There Wasted Life!

sebastianwolfe — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 19:28:35 +0000

All you hungry tired grad students out there waiting for that big break… I’m here my babies. I hear your bitter moans and your dreams of tenure, professional careers… I hear your call to arms to make the world a better place, to make a difference. I’m here. I’m here to tell you this is the [...]