Hello all,

 Rejoined recently after a long absence and am finding this thread and the
technology thread very interesting.  I don't know why but as previously
pointed out there is a real gap or rift between academe and museums.  A
shame really.  Academic types usually see us in the museum world as having
broad backs and weaker minds, while the museum folks tend to see academics
as having strong minds but bigger butts.  I have lately seen some real
evidence of this changing and there is some encouraging activity between
universities and museums.

Regarding all the discussion about MFA vs. MA, vs. Ph.D and what is
terminal.  Describing it like that makes it sound very much like a disease
without a cure.  An MFA is only considered terminal because there are no
equivalents in those subjects at the Ph.D. level.  Therefore, if you hold an
MA in Museum Studies, (unless things have changed and some university is
now offering a Ph.D. in Museum Studies,)  you have a terminal degree in your
subject area.  History on the other hand cannot make the same claim.

Terminality of degrees are part of the criteria that the  "experts" use to
determine whether or not some form of work (medicine, law,engineering,
museum work,) is an actual profession.   Among other things, accreditation
and some form of governing body are also on the list.

I would also like to take a minute (unethical as hell) to shamelessly
promote my new business, Points North Research.  We consult to museums and
historical organizations and were formed in 1998.  Just getting started, but
for more information on us go to http://www.pointsnorthresearch.com

In relation to the thread about technology there is now a recently formed
organization of which one of my consultants is involved with called the
American Association for History in Computing http://www.theaahc.org/   From
what I can tell this organization wrestles with just the same kinds of
questions.  I think the biggest drawback to museums embracing technology is
time.  Large institutions have more resources and stricter divisions of
labor and can devote a person,or more human hours to technology and its
applications.  This is especially true of web projects.  Smaller
organizations, while they may really want to embrace technology and its
uses, do so more slowly because of constraints on budgets and personnel.
Going back to the salary discussion of last week. If you already wear
sixteen hats, it is hard as hell to sit down and figure out how to build a
great web page, or customize a collections management program for your
institution.

Anyway, those are my two cents.

Bill





----- Original Message -----
From: Thomas Nealeigh <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Friday, August 18, 2000 10:06 AM
Subject: Re: What is an MFA?


> an MFA is a terminal degree
> the MA says you're going to continue on for a PhD
>
> -as an MA, I constantly get looked down upon by those with MFAs as not
> "giving myself over to the art." Personally, I found many MFA programs to
be
> too limiting on the avenues of study one could undertake: usually only
> allowing focus on one specific discipline. At the same time, too many MA
> programs looked down on practical application, prefering instead for one
> focus entirely on academic theory and not to "dirty one's hands" with
actual
> work.
> Myself, I want to get my PhD now just so I can demand that people call me
> "Doctor."
> ;)
>
> Thomas M. Nealeigh
> [log in to unmask]
> Education Specialist
> The Ohio Historical Society
> 1982 Velma Ave.
> Columbus, OH 43211
> (614) 297-2679
>
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: [log in to unmask] [SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
> > Sent: Friday, August 18, 2000 8:30 AM
> > To:   [log in to unmask]
> > Subject:      What is an MFA?
> >
> > Can somebody please tell me the difference between an MFA and an MA? We
> > have
> > an MFA here who is often tooting the "I have a terminal degree" horn,
and
> > expects to be paid as if he holds a PhD, as well as the added bonuses we
> > offer in order to attract terminal degree holders. It this true? Is
these
> > some sort of governing agency that defines just what is a terminal
degree,
> > or
> > even defines what an MFA is? How does this relate to our industry?
> >
> > Kenya
> >
>
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