This is a reform of the degrees system. It has been bothering me for
ages that we don't have clear criteria for what theses qualify for
each degree. For instance, no one seems to be sure whether artistic
works can qualify for a degree. This proposal would establish
standards (in terms of level of contribution, not word-count), create
a separate track of degrees for artistic works, and (while I'm at it)
rename Doctor degrees to Doctorate degrees to match all the other
degrees in being gender neutral. I hope this will be favorably
received, but I'm somewhat scared that G. will find something in here
to grumble about, so I'm submitting it as a proto first. :)
-Aris
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Title: College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences
Adoption index: 3.0
Author: Aris
Co-author(s):
Amend Rule 1367, "Degrees", by changing it to read as follows:
Certain patent titles are known as degrees. The degrees are
- Associate of Nomic (A.N.)
- Juris Doctorate of Nomic (J.N.)
- Baccalaureate of Nomic Artistry (B.N.A.)
- Baccalaureate of Nomic (B.N.)
- Magisteriate of Nomic Artistry (M.N.A)
- Magisteriate of Nomic (M.N.)
- Doctorate of Nomic History (D.N.Hist.)
- Doctorate of Nomic Artistry (D.N.Art.)
- Doctorate of Nomic Law (D.N.Law.)
- Doctorate of Nomic Science (D.N.Sci.)
- Doctorate of Nomic Philosophy (D.N.Phil.)
Degrees are ranked in the order they appear in this rule, with
degrees listed later being ranked higher. A specific degree CANNOT
be awarded to any person more than once.
A specified degree CAN be awarded by any player other than the
awardee, with 2 Agoran consent. It SHOULD only be awarded for the
publication of an original thesis of scholarly worth (including
responses to peer-review), published with explicit intent to
qualify for a degree. The Herald SHOULD coordinate the peer-review
process and the awarding of degrees.
An Associate of Nomic degree SHOULD be awarded for a thesis that adds
appreciably to Agoran culture, but fails to qualify for another degree.
Baccalaureate level degrees (which include the J.N) SHOULD be awarded when
the thesis demonstrates a substantial contribution, Magisteriate degrees
for a remarkable contribution, and Doctorate degrees for an exceptional
contribution. Any degree at the Doctorate level SHOULD take into account
the awardee's academic history and participation in Agora over time.
Artistry degrees SHOULD demonstrate substantial creativity, and need not
be in written form. All other degrees above the Associate level SHOULD
demonstrate substantial research or analysis. J.N. and D.N.Law are
appropriate for high-quality legal analysis, of the sort typical to CFJs,
but exceeding an ordinary CFJ in depth. The D.N.Hist. degree is
appropriate for historical research, especially when it presents a
narrative that will educate Agorans about the events of the past.
The D.N.Sci. degree is is appropriate for theses that demonstrate concrete
or scientific thinking, whereas the D.N.Phil. is appropriate for theses
that demonstrate abstract or philosophical thinking.
Rename every instance of the first listed patent title on each row to the
second listed patent title on each row:
- Juris Doctor of Nomic, Juris Doctorate of Nomic
- Doctor of Nomic History, Doctorate of Nomic History
- Doctor of Nomic Law, Doctorate of Nomic Law
- Doctor of Nomic Science, Doctorate of Nomic Science
- Doctor of Nomic Philosophy, Doctorate of Nomic Philosophy
