Australian Women's Book Review Volume 14.1 - School of English ...

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laid-back attitude of our predecessors who saw their thesis as more or less a life project. The less relevant discussion in this opening chapter is, perhaps, the detailed explanation of how British Universities are monitored by the British government in relation to issues like Teaching Quality. Leonard does cover the affects of these changes upon Australian Universities but she tends to focus upon purely economic issues, such as the 'internationalisation' of Australian educational facilities. Despite the occasional in-depth discussion on the specifics of the British higher education system the book is still wholly relevant for an Australian audience. The book is not, thankfully, a generic guide (as in: The Idiot's Guide To …). It has obviously been written by someone who has both completed a thesis and supervised a number of postgraduate students. Hence Leonard offers a number of absolute gems that really ring true but which are often not acknowledged in the fast paced, academically focused world of postgraduate studies: Stress in doctoral studies is better handled by getting an understanding of disciplinary socialisation rather than by time management; by recognising that one has been put (back) into an apprentice position, and coping with this through negotiating a more equal relationship with one's supervisor; and by establishing solidarities with others in the same situation, rather than by retreating into one's room and adjusting one's 'head.' (I originally read the last line of this passage as: 'rather than by retreating into one's room and adjusting one's hair', which is probably also timely advice.) Leonard also addresses issues relating to the most fundamental aspect of the Doctoral experience - the relationship between the student and his/her supervisor. Apparently knowledge and authority are a 'sexy' combination which is why students seem to fall quite easily for people (that is, academics) they wouldn't look twice at on the street. The section on 'Relating to Your Supervisor' (separate from the discussion on intimate relations) is less sensational but more broadly relevant as all Doctoral students will have to build and maintain an effective relationship with their supervisor. For most students the main issue in the supervisory relationship will probably not be physical intimacy but personal intimacy - or how to combine or differentiate between, depending on the circumstances, one's Self (one's personal experiences and personal life) and one's thesis. This then becomes an issue of what the supervisory relationship actually means - personal, professional, both? What does one bring to the meeting and what does one leave at the door? These grey areas are perhaps more a reflection of the limitations of the academic environment than the shortcomings of either the student or the supervisor; as Leonard points out: 'It is probable that women fit the system less well, given it's set up from men's strength and possibilities.' The chapters that address issues for students who are considering Doctoral studies are perhaps more relevant for people who have spent a considerable amount of time away from the academic environment; most Honours students, above all, would have been able to discuss the issues of choosing a supervisor, choosing the right University, sources of income and so on, with their Honours supervisors and other helpful academics. However, the chapters on a good start, research into gender, and sticking with the course are useful to all Doctoral students. Overall, I think the book provides a distinct advantage to PhD students in their first year when issues like departmental socialisation weigh heavily on students' minds. Perhaps, more importantly, first year students can spare more time to read the book than students in their second and third years who are usually more pressed for time and who have already worked out most of those issues for themselves. 72
If you're the kind of student who doesn't need study guides any more - how to write an essay, how to manage your time, how to succeed in a University environment and so on - this book is still very relevant. It provides information that your supervisor may not have the time to cover, such as finding mentors and joining professional associations both within your home country and outside it. The book's most valuable contribution is its constant reference to the interpersonal issues inherent to the Doctoral project, especially in the supervisory relationship but also, for any woman aiming for an academic career, less acknowledged issues like dealing with departmental cultures and developing positive connections. For these reasons, especially, the book is valuable, although probably not essential, for any Australian woman undertaking, or considering undertaking, Doctoral studies. Myfanwy McDonald is a PhD student at the School of Political and Social Inquiry at Monash University. Her research interests span gender and space, the medicalisation of gender identities and transgender politics. She has an undergraduate degree in Sociology and Creative Writing from the University of Wollongong. 73
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Australian Women's Book Review Volu
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50. The Fragmented Story of a Journ
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Page 41 and 42: method subsequently adopted by Brec
Page 43 and 44: Long Waiting in the Wings Susan Pfi
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Page 63 and 64: Lest We Remember Carolyn Polizzotto
Page 65 and 66: An Eye On the Public Record Dawn Fr
Page 67 and 68: Colonial or post-colonial religion?
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Page 75 and 76: Writer's Block. 75
Page 77 and 78: Mother's Methods for Writing Poetry
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Australian Women's Book Review Volume 14.1 - School of English ...

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