PROFESSOR (Australian):
Hi Ethan, come on in to my office. So, I got your email that you wanted to
discuss finding a thesis advisor. You’re majoring in Communications, correct?
STUDENT (New Zealand): Yes,
right. I was hoping you’d be willing to be my advisor.
PROFESSOR: Hmmm
. . . Typically students request advisors based on a professor’s specialty. I
mean, my specialty, as you know from our class, is the representation of
aborigine culture in Australian television. I’ve been here at the University of
Sydney researching that topic for close to six years now, and it’s been my
primary focus, aside from my teaching responsibilities. What is the topic of
your thesis?
STUDENT: Well, right now I
don’t have a specific topic narrowed down. I mean . . . I’d like to focus on
the hybridisation of native musicians and hip hop in New Zealand. There’s a
fascinating blend of traditional Maori music with more mainstream hip hop music
where I’m from in New Zealand. I know your background is in the intersection of
popular culture and traditional culture, so I thought you’d be interested in my
topic.
PROFESSOR: I
see. That does sound fascinating. The reason I asked is because I want to make
sure that I’ll be able to help you if we work together. I don’t want either of
us to be wasting our time, and I’m already advising three other graduate
students.
STUDENT: Sure, I understand
that. What do you require of the students that you advise?
PROFESSOR: Normally,
we meet once a week. I like to check in and make sure my students are on track.
Sometimes, there’s not much more than just a quick chat in my office. Once a
draft of your thesis is complete, I’d want to take a look at it and then we
could schedule a longer meeting together. Ummm . . . probably about an hour or
two, so that we could discuss edits to your draft and I could give you some
feedback on what you’re written so far. I also like to look over the second
draft as well. How does that sound?
STUDENT: That works for me.
I’m still doing research, but I’ll begin writing soon.
PROFESSOR: OK.
I also expect that you will turn in a complete draft, not just preliminary
notes or an outline. Are you graduating this year?
STUDENT: Yes, I’m graduating
in May.
PROFESSOR: Well,
seeing as how it’s November now, I’d expect to see the first draft of your thesis
by the end of January or early February. Can you commit to that?
STUDENT: Yes, definitely. My
thesis has to be between 45,000 and 60,000 words, and I’ll be able to produce
that if I start writing soon.
PROFESSOR: Great.
Have you tried talking with Professor Smith about your topic? I believe she’s
done quite a bit of writing about traditional music in Maori culture.
STUDENT: I have, actually.
She taught a class last term about that Maori music, and I loved it. She’s not
advising any more students right now, but she’s given me some good sources for
research.
PROFESSOR: That’s
great. So, when are you available to meet? Does this time each week work for
you?
STUDENT: Well actually, I’m
normally working right now. I work mornings in the library on Monday through
Thursday, so I’m usually not free until the afternoon.
PRPOFESSOR: Hmmm
. . . afternoons are tough for me. What about Friday mornings?
STUDENT: Yes, that works. I
can be here at 8:00 on Fridays.
PROFESSOR: Alright,
I’ll put you in my calendar and expect you here each week at 08:00.
STUDENT: Great. I also have
this form for you to sign. I need to let my department know that I’ve
officially got a thesis advisor.
PROFESSOR: No
problem. Oh . . . you know what? I just remembered I’ll be away next Friday for
a conference in Melbourne. How about if we start two weeks from now?
STUDENT: Of course, that’s
no problem.
PROFESSOR: If
you need to get in touch in the meantime, just send me an email.
STUDENT: What is the
conference about?
PROFESSOR: It
is about the portrayal of indigenous people in the media. I go every year but
I’m not speaking this time. Normally, I do.
STUDENT: Sounds interesting.
Well, thank you, I really appreciate it. Have a good trip to Melbourne.
PROFESSOR:
No
problem. I look forward to working with you.