Challenges in Humanities PhD Programs

The video discusses the extended time required to earn a PhD in the humanities, which is now over 11 years from a bachelor's degree. This lengthy period, followed by a long path to tenure, creates insecurity and is not conducive to creativity. The system exploits graduate students as cheap labor, affecting morale and intellectual culture. The supply and demand imbalance in academia needs addressing to improve professional training efficiency.

What is the median time to complete a PhD in the humanities?

• 5 years

• 7 years

• 11 years

• 9 years

How many additional years does it typically take to achieve tenure after completing a PhD?

• 2-4 years

• 8-10 years

• 6-8 years

• 10-12 years

Why is a long period of apprenticeship considered unhealthy for the humanities?

• It causes a decline in academic standards

• It leads to financial instability

• It discourages creativity and risk-taking

• It results in a lack of job opportunities

What is one reason for the increased time to degree in PhD programs?

• Lack of funding

• Increased course requirements

• Employment as teaching assistants

• Extended research projects

How does the employment of graduate students as teaching assistants become exploitative?

• They are paid high salaries

• They receive inadequate training

• They are used as cheap labor

• They are given too much responsibility

What is a negative consequence of the current PhD system on morale?

• Decreased interest in research

• Poor collegiality and intellectual culture

• Increased competition among students

• Lack of collaboration opportunities

What mentality issue arises among ABDs due to the current system?

• Overconfidence in their abilities

• Lack of motivation to complete their degree

• Increased focus on teaching over research

• Desire to leave academia

What is the main issue with the supply and demand curves in the academic job market?

• Demand exceeds supply

• Supply exceeds demand

• They are perfectly balanced

• They are not aligned as they should be

What would benefit the humanities profession according to the final section?

• Higher salaries for professors

• More efficient professional training

• Increased funding for research

• More teaching opportunities

What is a suggested solution to improve the current PhD system?

• Extending the time to degree even further

• Reducing the number of PhD programs

• Increasing the number of teaching assistant positions

• Making professional training more rational and efficient