Examines what kinds of jobs English major graduates of Lehigh University were actually doing in the real world, how they felt about having majored in English, and what benefits they saw from their degree. Finds that the alums were by and large delighted that they majored in English and would strongly recommend it to others. (SG)

Investigates the issues and procedures of assessment in English and considers what advice the Association of Departments of English can usefully offer to departments and chairs engaged with the problem of developing assessment initiatives, especially initiatives focused on the documentation of student learning. Discusses comments from the field in…

Investigates writing instruction trends by surveying university English departments and examining the types of writing courses offered and the enrollments in these courses over a 10-year period. Finds that most writing instruction remains in "service" courses, particularly freshman composition, but that the kinds of writing taught are more diverse…

Looks at various issues set before English departments by recent federal legislation uncapping the mandatory retirement age. Examines the "worst case" scenario of unlimited tenure. Argues that while it is too early to predict the effects of this legislation, preliminary indications show that incentives for early retirement are working.…

Presents results of a survey of college English departments concerning general education requirements and the English major. Finds that English programs emphasize courses in the traditional areas in their requirements for the English major. Notes that general education requirements frequently do not include an exposure to literature. (RS)

Describes the problems inherent in finding competent leadership for today's college English departments. Outlines the basic kinds of traits and characteristics that would mark both ideal leaders and followers in the academy. Discusses the different kinds of leaders. (HB)

Discusses the results of the Modern Language Association's 1990 survey of doctorate-granting departments in English and other languages regarding doctoral study. (HB)

Considers the Modern Language Association's 1990 survey of doctorate-granting departments in English and other languages regarding doctoral study. Analyzes the survey results in depth, including institutional characteristics, numbers of applicants, number enrolled, degrees granted, and program trends. (HB)

Considers the role of the English department head in a time of fiscal constraint and retrenchment. Describes the special responsibilities necessitated by lean financial circumstances. Discusses department/administration relations and the public relations aspect of chairing a department. (HB)

Addresses three concerns regarding beginning secondary English teachers: the shock of entering the real world of public schools; specific ways that postsecondary English departments can ease that transition; and weaknesses the new teachers often bring with them. (RS)

Discusses mission statements from various English departments. Finds that the most successful mission statements move credibly and convincingly between three kinds of rhetoric, using the specialized rhetoric of disciplinary insiders, the rhetoric of academic inquiry that can function across disciplines, and the general public rhetoric that serves…

Offers an overview of the information prepared by the MLA (Modern Language Association) Committee on Academic Freedom and Professional Rights and Responsibilities. Discusses recruitment and application, advising and course work, standards for teaching and other professional experience, and grievances. (CR)

Suggests that e-mail and the Web can make the hunt for a job in the English profession and the hiring process easier, faster, less expensive, and more effective for everyone involved. Addresses problems using e-mail for the job search. Concludes that the Web functions best as a supplementary source of information for candidates and institutions.…

Sketches an abstracted and idealized profession of English--a profession that fosters no politics and entails no internal conflicts, and whose members care about language and its uses, about the transmission of knowledge and skills, and a capacity for pleasure in the text. (RS)

Tells what has happened the last two years at the University of Louisville's English department. Presents a brief explanation of why the University of Louisville's English department decided to redefine their mission--moving all professorial faculty into first-year composition. Offers some general comments about what the author has learned as a…