Kenneth B. Murdock '16, Francis Lee Higginson Professor of English Literature, will travel to Sweden next week to receive an honorary degree and witness an uncommon academic ceremony at the University of Upsala.
At Upsala it takes 11 years to earn a Ph.D. and they are as "rare as hens' teeth," Murdock says. When the candidate is ready, he tacks his thesis Luther wise, to the main front door of the University. The ensuing orals often last two days and resemble court-room battles. One professor is appointed to defend the candidate, and another criticizes him, Murdock reports.
Murdock will be one of a host of professors who watch these proceedings, interject comments, and grade.
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