tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-773081222432050437.post7488141641089969084..comments2023-10-26T06:43:43.830-04:00Comments on Famae Volent: Past Performance is not a Guarantee of Future ReturnsUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger191125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-773081222432050437.post-65051704816871025922008-11-26T11:16:00.000-05:002008-11-26T11:16:00.000-05:00For what it's worth, I've taught on quarter and on...For what it's worth, I've taught on quarter and on semester systems. The former involved fewer classroom hours and slightly more preps (an average of 4.5/year). But I strongly prefer the experience of teaching at the semester pace: it's much less stressful and hurried, and the students actually have some knowledge of the subject by the time they have to start formulating their papers.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-773081222432050437.post-8935803017867625752008-11-26T07:44:00.000-05:002008-11-26T07:44:00.000-05:00You teach more hours per week on the quarter syste...You teach more hours per week on the quarter system than you do in a semester. For example, in a semester school, beginning Greek might meet for 4 50 minute sessions per week. In a quarter system, you meet (frequently, but not always) for 5 50 minute sessions per week. And, for example, I used to teach my 14 week lecture courses for 2 75 minute session per week. Now, on quarters, I teach 3 65 minute sessions per week. You don't teach more in a semester. You are in the classroom the same number of hours but in a compressed format. Having taught both, the quarter is much more exhausting. There is no down time. Though, I did prefer quarters as a student.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-773081222432050437.post-14668953847206956232008-11-26T00:44:00.000-05:002008-11-26T00:44:00.000-05:00Even taking into account the semester system, you'...<I>Even taking into account the semester system, you're apparently teaching more.</I><BR/><BR/>Berkeley faculty of the world unite! You have nothing to lose but your chains!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-773081222432050437.post-72153699200025614222008-11-26T00:05:00.000-05:002008-11-26T00:05:00.000-05:00Even taking into account the semester system, you'...Even taking into account the semester system, you're apparently teaching more.<BR/><BR/>2 ten week courses, 1 ten week course, 1 ten week coure=40 weeks of courses<BR/><BR/>4 fifteen week courses=60 weeks of courses<BR/><BR/>Even if the semesters aren't fifteen weeks, I don't see how it equalizes (e.g. twelve week semesters would still leave you with 48 weeks of courses).Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-773081222432050437.post-52825009268007416152008-11-25T23:06:00.000-05:002008-11-25T23:06:00.000-05:00Berkeley is on the semester system.Berkeley is on the semester system.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-773081222432050437.post-83574051455733458272008-11-25T22:57:00.000-05:002008-11-25T22:57:00.000-05:00I've never participated in a quarter system, but I...I've never participated in a quarter system, but I noticed that most UC schools are 2-1-1 while Berkeley is 2-2. How does it make sense that the flagship UC school has the heaviest teaching load? Am I misunderstanding something? 2-1-1 means that you're teaching two-thirds of 2-2 load, no?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-773081222432050437.post-77529555700751495772008-11-25T22:14:00.000-05:002008-11-25T22:14:00.000-05:00Okay, we've started adding teaching loads to the w...Okay, we've started adding teaching loads to the wiki. It would be great if departments would be forthcoming and update their listings themselves, but I don't think this will happen. <BR/><BR/>If you are fairly familiar with the teaching load at a department, PLEASE chip in and update the listing. Even if you're not 100%, this can always be clarified and it might even force SC members to speak up. <BR/><BR/>I'm guessing that we all agree that the wiki should list normal teaching loads without special circumstances like first year course reductions.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-773081222432050437.post-68583793982350050382008-11-24T21:59:00.000-05:002008-11-24T21:59:00.000-05:00This is another reason I like me current gig--all ...This is another reason I like me current gig--all faculty teach the same load (except Chairs and such who get a single course release).Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-773081222432050437.post-18200527354428513892008-11-24T21:46:00.000-05:002008-11-24T21:46:00.000-05:00And sometimes there are different teaching loads f...And sometimes there are different teaching loads for t-t vs. visiting faculty.<BR/>For instance, Northwestern's t-t faculty teach 2-2-0, while the visiting helots teach 3-3-3.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-773081222432050437.post-39494713954360327142008-11-24T21:41:00.000-05:002008-11-24T21:41:00.000-05:00Yes. Some place like a UC will offer you the optio...Yes. Some place like a UC will offer you the option of a 2-2-0 or a 2-1-1 whereas a SLAC on the quarter system will more likely be a 2-2-2 or 2-2-1. Of course, if you are a lecturer in a UC, be prepared for a 3-3-2. Or a 2-2-3.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-773081222432050437.post-37878768483210684372008-11-24T21:37:00.000-05:002008-11-24T21:37:00.000-05:00Does "x" above equal 0. I know for a fact that 2-2...Does "x" above equal 0. I know for a fact that 2-2-0 is a definite possibility in a quarter system.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-773081222432050437.post-40737641224614046352008-11-24T20:28:00.000-05:002008-11-24T20:28:00.000-05:00Quarter system can be:2-2-2 or 2-2-x or 2-1-1 depe...Quarter system can be:<BR/><BR/>2-2-2 or 2-2-x or 2-1-1 depending.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-773081222432050437.post-44770340240754713572008-11-24T20:15:00.000-05:002008-11-24T20:15:00.000-05:00Keep in mind that teaching loads are not all that ...Keep in mind that teaching loads are not all that is expected of entering faculty, and I don't just mean university service. A friend of mine last year was a finalist at a state university with a 4-4 load, the usual academic service, AND which required of faculty X (can't remember exactly, but it was at least 25) amount of hours per semester of volunteer service in the community. (In principle, my friend was not opposed to this, but to ask that of new faculty along with everything else? C'mon.) I have never seen anyone so happy to NOT get a job.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-773081222432050437.post-27060222425426810982008-11-24T19:45:00.000-05:002008-11-24T19:45:00.000-05:00Okay, so if we have generally agreed to post teach...Okay, so if we have generally agreed to post teaching loads, does anyone know what format we should use? Something like perhaps?<BR/><BR/>Kickarse University (T-T Latinist) 2-2 TL<BR/><BR/>How do we do schools on quarters?<BR/><BR/>University of Chibridge (T-T Greek History) 4/yearAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-773081222432050437.post-84664689040882577972008-11-24T19:37:00.000-05:002008-11-24T19:37:00.000-05:00It's getting ridiculous and it seems that faculty ...<I>It's getting ridiculous and it seems that faculty bear the brunt of the blame for the high cost of attending college. Hell, at least I paid my dues with a freakin' Ph.D. That pimple-faced guy sitting in development has a bachelors in business and is already making more than you.</I><BR/><BR/>Recent article in either NYT or Chronicle makes it clear that it is not faculty salaries driving the cost of higher ed and makes exactly the point that while TT faculty lines have remained static over the last decade, admins have increased sometimes by as much as double. It really is absurd.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-773081222432050437.post-53035312139395334412008-11-24T19:31:00.000-05:002008-11-24T19:31:00.000-05:00Yes, I would like to get back into a TT position, ...<I>Yes, I would like to get back into a TT position, but I feel that getting away from my previous situation has rejuvenated (saved?) my career.</I><BR/><BR/>Agreed. It was like hitting the reset button. I am so much better off than I was before--happier, more productive, more optimistic. Moved to a VAP at a SLAC from a TT at a low ranked R-1. Its like moving from purgatory to the Elysian fields.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-773081222432050437.post-82912230600181492782008-11-24T19:30:00.000-05:002008-11-24T19:30:00.000-05:00I don't think it's as much haves vs. have nots as ...I don't think it's as much haves vs. have nots as it is administrative competence. Money covers a multitude of sins, but even universities on a budget can support lively departments if they have enough foresight (in your case, they should have prevented the entire department from get bunched up at the top or at least ameliorated the situation).<BR/><BR/>As a somewhat cynical academic, one trend I don't like in my eyes is the increase in administrative positions. Administrators outnumber faculty at some schools now?! Do we need that many 2nd assistant vice deputy directors of sub-regional development? No matter many you throw in there, administrative units are still slow and incompetent! It's getting ridiculous and it seems that faculty bear the brunt of the blame for the high cost of attending college. Hell, at least I paid my dues with a freakin' Ph.D. That pimple-faced guy sitting in development has a bachelors in business and is already making more than you.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-773081222432050437.post-9261374511074860072008-11-24T19:17:00.000-05:002008-11-24T19:17:00.000-05:00I had a 3-3 teaching load TT position at a low-ran...I had a 3-3 teaching load TT position at a low-ranked R-1. The teaching was fine but the academic atmosphere was absolutely depressing. It was like going to the morgue every day to work, except maybe less lively! All the other faculty were near retirement and it was difficult injecting life into any aspect of the department. I'm in a 2-2 VAP at a flagship R-1 and I couldn't be happier for now. Yes, I would like to get back into a TT position, but I feel that getting away from my previous situation has rejuvenated (saved?) my career. What does this all mean? I don't know but I hope it's not trending in that direction -- i.e. haves vs. have-notsAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-773081222432050437.post-48098858062916391482008-11-24T19:02:00.000-05:002008-11-24T19:02:00.000-05:00while with TT's, however low you stand, at least t...<I>while with TT's, however low you stand, at least the ground you are on is solid.</I><BR/><BR/>Ha ha. That's funny. Sure, you don't have to go on the market the first year you land the TT but you may be up for re-appointment in the 2nd year (though typically the third) and if you don't already have publications out or accepted and have served on the right number of committees and kissed all the right departmental asses, you may find your stable stool hurling across the room. Hell, you could have the pubs covered and the service but enough people in the department don't want you to stay. In some departments, it only takes 1 or 2 people. There is no such thing as stability until you have tenure and some people are more likely to be successful with a couple years at a cushy VAP than starting right out of grad school into a terror TT.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-773081222432050437.post-35041355657484786632008-11-24T18:49:00.000-05:002008-11-24T18:49:00.000-05:00TT's do offer more stability than non TT's though....<I>TT's do offer more stability than non TT's though. In visiting positions, however high you are standing now, the stool you are one might suddenly be kicked away at the end of the year - while with TT's, however low you stand, at least the ground you are on is solid.</I><BR/><BR/>My VAP is for as long as the first leg of the average TT before re-appointment. A lot less pressure.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-773081222432050437.post-26433874395414754342008-11-24T18:23:00.000-05:002008-11-24T18:23:00.000-05:00TT's do offer more stability than non TT's though....TT's do offer more stability than non TT's though. In visiting positions, however high you are standing now, the stool you are one might suddenly be kicked away at the end of the year - while with TT's, however low you stand, at least the ground you are on is solid.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-773081222432050437.post-63067706660103082512008-11-24T18:13:00.000-05:002008-11-24T18:13:00.000-05:00I had a 4-4 load TT that paid barely over 40k to l...I had a 4-4 load TT that paid barely over 40k to live in a very expensive city. I now have a visiting position that has half the teaching load with way more pay and awesome benefits (not a wealthy school either, just treats its faculty better) TTs are supposed to be the goal but some TTs just aren't worth it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-773081222432050437.post-10626497663845082692008-11-24T17:57:00.000-05:002008-11-24T17:57:00.000-05:00On teaching loads...I've noticed a disturbing corr...On teaching loads...I've noticed a disturbing correlation between my friends with high teaching loads in t-t positions and how low their salary is. Seriously, I have a very cushy full-time one-year job (for which I am incredibly grateful) with a 2-2 load, and I get paid (with much better benefits) about 125% of what a t-t friend of mine in the East makes with a 4-4 load. And my job is not at a rich school.<BR/><BR/>I've heard that CUNY, in addition to high teaching loads, pays abysmally. Asst. profs there make under 50K, I believe.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-773081222432050437.post-2611177805440775892008-11-24T16:37:00.000-05:002008-11-24T16:37:00.000-05:00"It will probably show that Latinist followed by H..."It will probably show that Latinist followed by Hellenist positions dominate the percentages. At the risk of opening up another salvo, it might partially explain why our MC brethren are (overly?) sensitive to MC-ish positions going to more run of the mill classicists."<BR/><BR/>It probably does show that. The question then should be whether there ought to be a higher proportion of MC positions than there is currently, and why.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-773081222432050437.post-16921710872648112722008-11-24T15:45:00.000-05:002008-11-24T15:45:00.000-05:00It will probably show that Latinist followed by He...It will probably show that Latinist followed by Hellenist positions dominate the percentages. At the risk of opening up another salvo, it might partially explain why our MC brethren are (overly?) sensitive to MC-ish positions going to more run of the mill classicists. [Slowly backing away now...]Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com