CJ 598 and 599

The following reflects my personal views and should not be taken as departmental policy or as reflecting the views of all of my colleagues.

I am pleased to sit on both 598 and 599 committees when the topic is one that will allow me to make a positive contribution. Having said that, I am biased toward the preparation of a thesis. The issue is not one of quality as both 598 and 599 require the production of thesis quality work and both outstanding policy and practice papers and outstanding theses have been completed by our graduates. The thesis is recognized as the academic product by the academic community. In many disciplines, the non-thesis masters degree is awarded to doctoral candidates who have not demonstrated the skill needed to earn a doctorate. The thesis is more highly regarded by academics outside of our department. If you plan to pursue a doctoral degree or to teach in a community college, you should choose the thesis option.

Both 598 and 599 require first (chairs) and second readers. If you choose to ask me to serve on your committee you should consider the following:

Our faculty is very diverse both it terms of discipline and in terms of style. You should choose committee members who are compatible with your style and who have an interest in your topic. Each of us is compatible with a range of personalities and less effective with others. I find it most difficult to work with those students who will do anything that I ask but expect me to tell them exactly what to do from step one to finished project. I work best with those students who want to produce superior work, who have an idea or two, and who need someone to look over their shoulder as they work to assure that they are doing the best project that they can do. I am able to work with hyper driving students who irritate some of my colleagues with their assertiveness (while I allow them to do their own thing, I do insist that they maintain quality and conform at least loosely to established protocol). I am also able to work with quiet students whose superior skills are often overlooked and who need a bit more pushing than others.

Remember: my students always do superior work. I expect you to do the best job that you can do not just an acceptable job.

Second readers serve as quality control. In almost every case, if you get past one of my colleagues, I will approve your project with minor corrections.

Feel free to discuss you plans with me even if you do not plan to ask me to serve on your committee.