Posted on 02/23/2011 9:11:18 AM PST by Islander7
Irony
“A dude doing undergraduage studies gets a degree in undergradute studies”
That’s likely the line of thought leading to the popularity of the phrase (well, in addition to another line of thought, to be delineated below), silly though it is. Silliness can arise from (marginally) respectable origin.
There isn’t really any such thing as “undergraduate studies.” You are the undergraduate, while the studies are whatever they are. Same goes for so-called “post-graduate studies.” You don’t study post-graduation. You study whatever it is you study while being a post-graduate.
These are merely convenient phrases, and harmless so far as they go. We don’t encounter a problem until we talk degrees. The simple truth is that you have to be graduated in order to have a degree. Therefore, there can be no such thing as an undergraduate degree. It makes no sense. The iron laws of logic forbid it.
Now, we arrive at the aforementioned alternate line leading to the popularity of the term. That is, the existence of the “post-graduate degree.” You might assume I am opposed to that phrase, and I might be, but not for logical reasons. That phrase is not very descriptive, and is in my opinion misused to bolster the high wall between people with degrees and those without. However, it is not silly. It makes sense. One can get a degree after they’ve been graduated. Therefore, the phrases “graduate degree” or “post-graduate degree” is acceptable. However, in no sense does its sense render the phrase “undergraduate degree” sensible.
The popularity of “post-graduate degree” may or may not (I’m not familiar enough with the history to declare) have led “undergraduate degree” to gain currency. It’s a regrettable eventuation.
“He does not get a degree in graduate studies. Only gratuate students can get a degree in graduate studies”
What an oddly bifurcated process of thought. Either you’re an undergraduate and get a degree in that, or you’re a graduate and get a degree in that. Weird.
How about you’re an undergraduate until you graduate, then you’re a graduate and can proceed to further degrees? And we can call the degree you receive...um...wait for it...I know, a freakin’ Bachelor’s degree! Or does that erode too much the wall between post-graduates and undergraduates?
“What doesn’t make sense is that you took my fun post seriously.”
It’s not so much your post; it’s the issue. The phrase sticks in my craw.
And respectability can arise from silliness.
Actually, if you wander in the academic circles you will see the Associates degree referred to as an undergraduate degree and the four year degree as a Bachelor's degree. Further degrees (for graduate studies) are referred to as post-baccalaureate.
People sitting at computers who have no more FACTS than you and me!
Far too many people on FR are quick to lable people who have ONE opinion different from their own, as RINOs. And most wouldn't agree on what that is!
“Actually, if you wander in the academic circles you will see the Associates degree referred to as an undergraduate degree and the four year degree as a Bachelor’s degree”
That makes sense, since universities are not geared toward granting associate degrees. They’re called “four-year schools” for a reason, disregarding ones that have schools-within-a-school, like nursing schools. People seeking nothing but two-year degrees are usually encouraged to go to community colleges and techincal/vocational schools.
Which is why it’s not thought of as “graduating” when you finish two-year requirements. You don’t graduate from an Associates to a Bachelors degree. You just happen to pick one up along the way.
IMO, the stupidity of the teachers is displayed by letting themselves be useful idiots for the union bosses.
Neither did Rush or Rove. Harry S. Truman never even went to college.
God Bless Governor Walker for doing the right thing! He should run for higher office. I have a new “dream ticket” as you can see in my tag line! :)
Why aren’t you complaining to the other posters about their comparisons?
The juice ain't worth the squeeze.
Should I be flattered? or insulted?
re: “Christie has already been outed as a full-fledge member of the RINO group here on FR.”
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Seems that way — how about Scott Walker/Allen West, or Allen West/Scott Walker? Either way works for me!
“Teacher lied, Union died.”
“Teacher lied, Union died.”
“Teacher lied, Union died.”
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