I already asked one friend and he gave me a good perspective on the matter, but I thought I would ask all of you who read my blog or stumble upon it for your thoughts on something that recently came to my attention.
Last year in the final quarter of my first year at UC Santa Cruz I took a required course called Lit. 101, which, at the time, had the theme of “Animal Theory”. It was an interesting course, to a certain extent, though not perfect, and I developed a relationship with the professor because we both share some common interests–science fiction, actually.
So, when I found out one of the professors I wanted to do another independent study course with wouldn’t have the time I decided to ask the professor of my Lit. 101 course. And she emailed me back saying that she didn’t feel she would have the time to do so, but offered me a slot in her graduate course this fall.
Now, for those that don’t know, I’m an undergraduate. I have no degree, yet, and this will be my second year at a real university as opposed to the five I spent figuring out what the hell I wanted to do in community college. That means I’ve never taken a graduate course; the highest course I’ve taken is actually the Lit. 101 course, which is the second highest level course you are required to take for a literature degree.
I’m hesitant to take her up on her offer only because I don’t know a lot about graduate level seminars and fear that I’m not up to something like that. At the same time, I like this professor and this is a great opportunity. It will offer me a challenge, which I feel I do need, and might help me on my way to applying for graduate school.
So, what do you all think on this matter? Do you have any advice or suggestions? Or perhaps you’ve had a graduate school experience and could enlighten me to what it’s like?
Thanks.
(Don’t click the read more, there isn’t any more after this!)
