With devastatingly caustic tongue-in-cheek humor and probing insights, Dr. Grobman gives readers ample reasons not to get a Ph.D.—from the excessive time invested (45 years, in one case) and callousness of professors and dissertation committees, to vision of students wandering around campus in a “catatonic state” known as ABD ( “All But Dissertation”). He presents numerous anecdotes—some sad, some hilarious—about what happens when people succeed at getting a doctorate—and when they don’t.
Most Ph.D. dropouts feel an “almost universal bitterness” at a perceived personal failure, Grobman writes. Since people accepted into a doctoral program have been screened for having the ability to succeed, he argues that the high attrition rate in these programs “lies principally with the system and culture,” not with the students themselves. His biting satire will leave permanent teeth marks on this academic culture.
No aspect of the academic culture is sacrosanct and Grobman’s arrows hit their mark with his satirical look at online degrees, diploma mills, honorary degrees, the treatment of female students, and the history of the Ph.D. degree. He provides citations in this meticulously-researched book and a Webography of online Ph.D. humor. And, in case you insist on subjecting yourself to the grueling and “masochistic” process to obtain the coveted degree, Grobman includes a chapter of advice to guide you to accomplish your goal in the least amount of time and with the least stress possible.
Just Don’t Do It! is a sidesplitter, page after page. A dozen original cartoons illustrate this book, which will have you laughing out loud or crying. Or both at the same time.
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