The University of Chicago Magazine: December 2000, Departments

Unfair criticism
The article "A Century of Gay Studies at Chicago" (October/00) unfairly criticized the research of two of Chicago's outstanding faculty members: Robert Michael and Edward Laumann. As a former student of Bob Michael's, I have had an opportunity to examine the cited research in depth. [ MORE ]

Thin and thinner
I get the impression that the U of C Magazine has not only become physically thinner, but that its content has also been considerably diluted. [ MORE ]

More on gun control?
I read your magazine with great interest because of the top-notch articles that are presented. In the past I remember terrific articles on the possible future advances in the treatment of diabetes and almost heroic efforts of alumni in business and activities to benefit society. I found one item from the October/00 University of Chicago Magazine almost too incredible to believe. [ MORE ]

Mothers first, physicians second
While I knew that political correctness now reaches every level of society, "Women in White" (October/00) made me question the quality of medical education at my alma mater: "How could I have three children?"… when she found out she was pregnant. [ MORE ]

Civilization and the snob factor
I enjoyed Herbert Gans's letter (October/00) expressing dismay at the age-old scholarly signposts of civilization. "Concentration and specialization" are the value-neutral terms archaeologists now use to define civilized states. [ MORE ]

Tenure and responsibility
James Shapiro's article in the August/00 issue, "Death in a Tenured Position?" rightfully criticizes elderly tenured professors who cling to their tenured positions and thereby effectively deny not only tenure to younger professors but their chance for research and administrative positions. His answer is lame: that senior professors should voluntarily give up their privileges.
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The importance of having captions
The August/00 issue of the University of Chicago Magazine carried a rather innocuous, pallid piece on the enthusiams of professors during "The Joys of Summer." It was a fun and easy read, possibly placed by design after the more disturbing reprint of a timely but controversial article on "Death in a Tenured Position." [ MORE ]

Alumni nominations sought
The University of Chicago Alumni Association is seeking nominations of alumni to serve on its Board of Governors, a 25-member group that sets policy for the association and advises the University on a range of issues. [ MORE ]

Hyde Park before urban renewal?
I am writing to ask for help with a short history of Hyde Park, to be published in book form in September 2001. As there is a significant visual component to the work, I am hoping that some readers might be interested in contributing photographs to such a project. [ MORE ]

Problem? This is not a problem.
I've a real problem. Every time I went to put the October/00 issue aside for other tasks, I would browse another article and then keep reading. What a comprehensive overview. Well done!

Two corrections noted
In reading the October/00 issue of the Magazine, which I thoroughly enjoyed as usual, I discovered two errors which I am certain you would wish to correct. C. Eric Lincoln, who died May 14 ("Deaths," page 44), was not at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill but was the William R. Kenan Jr. distinguished professor of religion at Duke University. I received the Harold Washington Literary Award ("For the Record," page 12) not in late July, but in early June.

Franklin is the John H. Manley distinguished service professor emeritus at Chicago and the James B. Duke professor emeritus of history at Duke University. The Magazine regrets the errors.-Ed.

The Magazine invites letters on its contents or on topics related to the University. Letters must be signed and may be edited for length or clarity. Preference is given to letters of 500 words or less.