Reforming Doctoral Training in the Humanities

FAIN: ZA-260717-18

Syracuse University (Syracuse, NY 13244-0001)
Glenn Wright (Project Director: November 2017 to present)

The development of a university-wide initiative to systematically reform doctoral training for humanities Ph.Ds.

A systematic planning effort will lay the groundwork for a package of initiatives that will enhance support for humanities doctoral students as they explore and pursue a wide range of meaningful careers. The project directors will convene a Planning Committee comprising faculty with a variety of appointments; current students; program alumni; administrators and staff in relevant positions; and others representing professional destinations for doctoral graduates. Four Working Groups will be formed, addressing these key themes: • Curricular reform • Systematic integration of professional development and career preparation • Creation of a PhD alumni mentoring network • Development of resources to enable non-monographic dissertation projects. Each Working Group will produce a report fully describing a discrete product, service, or resource (e.g., proposed curricular innovations, a toolkit for faculty advising on nontraditional dissertation projects) to be implemented in AY 2019-20.

Associated Products

Syracuse University Gradcast (Radio/Audio Broadcast or Recording)
Title: Syracuse University Gradcast
Producer: Dan Olson-Bang
Abstract: "Join Syracuse University's Graduate School to learn about professional and career development, hear from alumni, and find out about events."
Date: 05/04/2020
Primary URL: https://anchor.fm/syrgradcast
Primary URL Description: Syracuse University Gradcast, streamed on Anchor
Access Model: Open access
Format: Web

Humanities Graduate Mentoring Program (Web Resource)
Title: Humanities Graduate Mentoring Program
Author: Christopher Flanagan
Abstract: Current graduate students are able to connect with graduate alumni of Syracuse, and with humanities PhD holders working in the Syracuse area, for informational interviews and career mentoring in careers outside of the academic tenure track.
Year: 2020
Primary URL: https://graduateschool.syr.edu/student-resources/mentoring-resources/humanities-graduate-mentoring-program/
Primary URL Description: Humanities Graduate Mentoring Program website

Non-Monographic Dissertation interview (Film/TV/Video Broadcast or Recording)
Title: Non-Monographic Dissertation interview
Writer: Christopher Flanagan
Producer: Christopher Flanagan
Abstract: Video interview between Jesse Merandy (PhD, English, CUNY Graduate Center) and Christopher Flanagan, on the process, challenges and opportunities that arose from Jesse undertaking a non-traditional form of dissertation project. The first in a projected series of such videos with non-monographic dissertation authors in the humanities.
Year: 2020
Primary URL: https://video.syr.edu/media/t/1_68htzx2m
Primary URL Description: Video interview between Jesse Merandy and Christopher Flanagan
Access Model: Open access
Format: Web

Next Generation Dissertations (Web Resource)
Title: Next Generation Dissertations
Author: Katina Rogers
Author: Christopher Flanagan
Abstract: A website designed to help those interested in carrying out nontraditional-format doctoral dissertations. It includes rubrics, case studies, and interview clips with notable nonstandard dissertation scholars, as well as general advice and other resources.
Year: 2021
Primary URL: https://nextgendiss.hcommons.org/
Primary URL Description: see abstract above

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