This essay argues that a trend in histories of literary and writing studies is to bifurcate the origins of the fields and so engage in those modernist narrative fallacies described by Jean-Francois Lyotard. Such works limit our understanding of past practices and the longstanding connections between disciplinarity and labor. (Contains 2 notes.)

Syllabi from some 20 colleges and universities were reviewed with prominent English and literature departments and a discussion was held with a number of professors who teach literary theory. It is suggested that devolution and fragmentation of theory might be a survival strategy, an adaptation to the new realties of academic institutions.

Presents results of poll of 13 English departments of Ivy League and Seven Sister colleges and universities undertaken in order to offer high school librarians an up-to-date checklist of basic titles that should be included in their collections. Fifty-three authors cited and a bibliography of 51 recommended titles are included. (EJS)