First Class Honours
When I started my doctorate studies five months ago, I had no idea that there would be a graduate coursework for my PhD program. It was a pleasant surprise. Really. That’s not a joke. I was in fact more than happy to join the classes because that was what I initially had in mind when I rigorously applied for several universities in the US (which denied my enrollment and shattered my sweet American Dream). Apparently, I ended up in Australia at a not-so-bad university (and I am still thankful for the University of Melbourne for giving me a chance to prove my worthiness despite my scholarly shortcomings). Now, if my university were to propose the 36 credits of a graduate coursework like those in the US, I’d be thrilled to go through the ‘pain’.
A lot of people think that it was such a bad idea to waste the first two years doing a graduate coursework in the US, that they would prefer to embark on their PhD work right away (which is the case for most of the Australian universities), but I beg to differ. I strongly feel that the coursework would be the best thing for me since I am a novice who truly needs guidance and foundation in my research area. The fact that my university is currently shifting into more or less like the US system (through the so-called Melbourne Model) is such a relief for me. I know it sounds strange (I mean, why do I have to waste my time in the classroom when I should be doing real work out there?). But again, I beg to differ.
As far as my first semester experience was concerned, I don’t remember crying late at night or asking for God’s mercy for the agony of studying the basics with the fellow master’s students. I don’t remember feeling inferior or low doing the assignments and be graded like the others. If you think that I’m slowing down my studies, you’re wrong. Why should I speed up my studies when I actually enjoy doing it? I wish I could prolong it. Don’t worry, I’ll definitely be back in Malaysia sooner or later (which I prefer the latter, only I hope there’ll be enough fund for that).
Bear in mind, the graduate coursework in Melbourne wouldn’t cost me two years, at least for my department. There are only two graded subjects plus two audited subjects. Yeah, that sounds doable. I can complete that in two semesters while I’m still working on my research. Although it will be only four subjects, that at least would provide me with some fresh perspectives on what I’m supposed to do for my research in the future. Plus, that would give me a glimpse of an undergraduate experience in the classroom, which was totally refreshing, just like when I joined eight undergraduate classes at IIUM at the beginning of my master’s program. I knew I couldn’t complain back then, and I don’t see why I should complain now either (I think I’ll be forever a classroom person, ain’t I?).
Yes, so far, so good. I have completed two subjects. English Phonetics & Phonology was mind-blowing. It is, first and foremost, my PhD major. But the best thing about it was that it was taught by none other than my own supervisor, Janet. I enjoyed listening to her lectures and took every lesson in the classroom very seriously. Sometimes I had a thought that I had to be better off than the other students (I am a PhD student, for God’s sake!). But I didn’t care anymore when I realized that I looked forward to attending the class. I wanted to learn. That’s all that mattered. The ‘pressure’ became a pleasure.
The second subject, Second Language Acquisition, was more challenging. I did enjoy learning all the second language theories, but unfortunately, I was rather uncomfortable in the classroom, particularly with the lecturer (hah! does that sound familiar, my dear students?). Well, for one thing, listening to his style of teaching was a torture and, to some extent, a bore. Being there myself as a lecturer, I knew I had to put up with all the pedagogical rituals, but in the end, I realized that I didn’t give my best for this subject. I somehow lost interest in the classroom per se (but not in the subject matter). I soon decided that I would just accept whatever grade that I would get at the end of the semester. It was sad knowing that I didn’t work hard enough to earn the best grade.
I was personally informed by Janet a few weeks ago that I got an H1 (First Class Honours) for English Phonetics & Phonology. My hard work paid off, and I thank God for that. But what about the second subject? I couldn’t be bothered with it. I didn’t see that it mattered to me anymore, until the result was officially released yesterday. I saw the grade. Second Language Acquisition. H1. First Class Honours. Damn.
With this unexpected result and all the positive progress leading towards my first lab experiment, I think I’m done for the first half of my first year. I don’t have to worry anymore about what to write for my first 6-month progress report. Oh, have I mentioned that I have to report to two Big ‘Loan Sharks’ in Malaysia? Yes, the Human Resource Department of UTM and, of course, the Government of Malaysia. I’m on people’s money, remember that.
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Congratz….. =] harap bley berjaya like u, someday. God Willing! All the best to u, sir.
thanks muhammad. I know you will too. God willing!