Argues that most doctoral training in English departments is concentrated on requirements, credentials, and the accumulation of a diversified portfolio. Emphasizes the need to discuss the scope of the doctoral enterprise and to explore the values that make such an enterprise worthwhile. (RS)

Discusses several problems in the national hiring process, including candidates' (1) lack of preparation and/or interest in teaching, (2) lack of familiarity with interviewing institutions, and (3) unrealistic expectations and general ignorance of conditions in most of the country's English departments. (SR)

Describes how English department chairs might successfully order and structure their departments. Analyzes two central characteristics of English departments as political entities: purpose and values. Lists several observations about departmental organization. (HB)

Considers how one composition instructor's methods of assigning student writing tasks and then responding to those texts was altered by various works written by composition scholars. Outlines 10 of the major achievements of composition research over the past 30 years. (HB)

Discusses the "ADE Statement of Good Practice: Teaching, Evaluation, and Scholarship" and the related issue of peer evaluation and the deprivatization of the classroom. Outlines the benefits of peer review of teaching. Argues for increased attention to the documentation of teaching. Appends the "Statement." (HB)

Identifies the slippage that often occurs between graduate school in English and the actual classroom realities of professional life. Suggests six areas of professional development for graduate students in English. Claims that such development might help teachers achieve greater happiness and success in their new surroundings. (HB)

Considers how departments of English can evaluate the effectiveness of the curriculum and teaching throughout the entire program. Outlines the way that the joint English department at the College of St. Benedict and St. John's University developed a full-scale assessment program for the undergraduate major. (HB)

Discusses the psychological impact of chairing an English department in a time of shrinking resources. Provides advice for department heads faced with budget cuts. (HB)

Calls attention to some of the psychological dimensions of English department chairs' responsibilities to mentor and evaluate faculty members. Notes an estrangement effect between chairs and faculty; the importance of making the right initial appointments; usefulness of written performance evaluations; and the importance of mentoring junior…

Discusses the challenges of teaching English at two-year colleges, devising new methods of teaching composition and literature to reluctant writers and readers. Suggests that much of the important intellectual work from two-year colleges has been produced in the form of textbooks, and is also shown in curriculum development, interdisciplinary…

Offers the opinions of faculty, lecturers, and graduate teaching associates on the use of electronic technology in the teaching of English. Suggests that most faculty members are receptive to considering new ways of enhancing teaching, and that the faculty needs training for this new responsibility. (CR)

Considers the direction of literature curricula and asks why the study of literature and language is an essential part of culture. Explains the curriculum's educational value and intellectual purposes to those who allocate resources. Raises fundamental questions about the political and spiritual aspects of teaching literature. (SC)

Describes a one-unit job placement course that offers candidates for jobs in English departments realistic, intensive, and responsible preparation for academic or nonacademic careers. Appends the course description for the job placement seminar. (RS)

Summarizes findings for English studies from the latest MLA survey of jobs held by recent graduates of modern language doctoral programs. Compares findings with results of earlier surveys. Notes that the percentage of new doctorate recipients obtaining tenure-track positions in 1993-94 is lower than it was in the 1991-92 and 1986-87 surveys. (RS)

Examines the possibility of a university based on dissensus, disagreement, and diversity. Deconstructs the traditional English major, noting the inappropriateness of studying British literature as a substitute for a national cultural whole. Notes that the United States has never really had cultural unity and has always looked to the future for it.…