Friday, November 21, 2003
GRATUITOUS DISSERTATION PHOTO
Thanks to everyone who sent congratulations yesterday. You are all wonderful!
The above photo was taken moments after all of the members of my committee had signed the appropriate forms. From left to right: Professor Gerhard Loewenberg, Professor Pev Squire (the committee chair), Rookie Professor David Hogberg, Professor Doug Madsen (the one leaning back), and Professor Cary Covington. Not shown is Professor Forrest Nelson, who is taking the picture.
Ah, a moment for my ages.
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Thursday, November 20, 2003
WOO HOO!!!!!
Yes, I know I promised to post a bit on my dissertation defense yesterday. But I had to have a little bit of fun keeping you all in suspense.
Anyway, I’m happy to report that I am now officially: David Hogberg, Ph.D.
If you’ve never been through a dissertation defense, here’s a description for you. I met with my dissertation committee—consisting of five professors—yesterday at 10 am in the Political Science Department Office at the University of Iowa (a.k.a, the Star Chamber). First, they sent me out of the Star Chamber so they could have a discussion. This period is known as the Chinese Water Torture—I waited what seemed like an eternity before they let me back in. The next phase is called the “Gauntlet.” I gave a synopsis of my dissertation, after which the professors grilled me mercilessly. It got so bad that I though I might be put on the Rack, er, not pass my defense. At then end, I was sent back out of the Star Chamber again—Chinese Water Torture Redux. After what seemed like another eternity, they let me back in the Star Chamber and told me, “Okay Mr. Hogberg. We’re going to pass you, but we have to flog you first.” Well, okay, I made that last part up. As I saw them putting their John Hancock’s on the relevant paperwork, I felt relief and joy.
Oh, and what a glorious feeling it is!
It’s especially nice for me because I made the mistake of letting my dissertation drag out over a number of years. If you’re considering going to graduate school, my first bit of advice is DON’T DO IT! My second bit of advice is that if you do go (you masochist, you) have at least some parts of your dissertation completed by the time you take your comprehensive exams.
Otherwise, here is how I did it. I made a bet with my dad that I would have the dissertation finished by a certain date, or I would owe him $50, plus $10 a month afterwards for every month it was not finished. I’m not going to tell you how much money I lost. Suffice to say that by the time I lost the bet so much of the dissertation was completed that there was no reason not to finish.
Anyway, it is all finished now, and I am a Doctor of Philosophy of Political Science with all the rights, privileges, and honors thereto pertaining.
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Sunday, November 16, 2003
HILLARY AND THE OTHERS
Since I will not have access to a computer Monday morning, I cannot give a direct link to my article on the Jefferson-Jackson dinner. Just go here, and scroll down a bit.
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