Judge Richard A. Posner, one of the great figures in contemporary American law, has often praised my research and writing on the Second Circuit, referring to it as a model of how courts and judges should be studied. In a recent article in The Michigan Law Review he wrote that it is one of “the few gems” in the literature on the judicial process.
* * * * *
My intention was to teach political science at a local college after I completed my dissertation. However, while working on the dissertation, a part-time position opened at Yeshiva University because of the sudden passing of a faculty member.
My first college teaching – for a year and a half – was at Yeshiva. It was an enjoyable experience. In the aggregate, the students were bright and class discussions were animated. A number of my students went on to distinguished careers. (Truth to tell, the students were not outstanding in terms of the effort they put in, primarily, I believe, because the dual program at Yeshiva is extremely taxing and it is a stretch to expect students who are in classes essentially from early in the morning until the late afternoon or evening to be able to devote themselves with great zest to reading material and writing papers.)
Another aspect of teaching at Yeshiva was that the administration had a paternalistic attitude toward both students and faculty and it often seemed that college was regarded as an extension of high school. The ambiance one ordinarily finds at a typical college was absent. The faculty included many outstanding scholars and teachers, some of whom established stellar reputations in later years. I shared an office with Charles Liebman, who then was at the start of his brilliant career, ultimately becoming the leading sociologist on American Jewish life.
One of the aspects of graduate study that intrigues me is how little contact I had with fellow students after I received my doctorate. I did remain close to Professors Tanenhaus and Somit and both were at our wedding. As for the students, I can scarcely remember the names of any of them. This is in contrast to the experience of Allen, who remained in close touch for decades with those who were together with him at Yale.
As my dissertation was nearing completion, I heard that Hunter College had an opening for an entry-level political science teacher. I applied, along with many other aspirants. I was quickly offered the position, perhaps because I had a number of publications under my belt while still a graduate student.
Hopefully, my next essay for The Jewish Press will cover Hunter College and beyond.
