Stealing a Thesis Idea...

[ZenGum]

Originally Posted by Cicero

But is he a gay republican?

Aren't they all, secretly?


Seriously, if the situation is as you described, that behaviour sounds very incorrect.

I can think of a few possible explanations:
1. He's a doddery old fool who found this idea in his head, had forgotten where it came from, and decided to be "nice" and throw it out to the students. Or maybe not old and doddery, but a mistake along these lines.
2. The idea is in fact not at all original, but has been around for years, and this time every year he hauls it out for those students who still haven't thought of a thesis topic.
3. He is a jerk. He is screwing you around, belittling you, probably because he perceives your ability and has learned to eliminate all potential rivals immediately.
4. He fancies you, and this is his idea of seduction and foreplay.

If you were in an Australian uni I would suggest you start by seeing one of the student/academic support officers in the students union. Do you have an equivalent service over there?
If you want to take it further, getting something in writing promptly is important. Get that paper trail going.
The problem is, each uni is quite a small community, and this guy is in a field you like. Stomping on his toes will likely come back to haunt you. Even if you have nothing more to do with him, other people will hear about it.
On the other hand, if you don't complain, it establishes a precedent for that kind of behaviour.

How does having your thesis idea copied really affect you?

If you do complain, do so tactfully and in accordance with all the official rules and procedures. For goodness's sake avoid the angry email reflex. But I'm sure you knew that.

Good luck.


P.S. Fifteen pages is not a god-damn thesis. I wouldn't even start saying "sub-thesis" until you pass 10,000 words. Maybe we use the terms differently.