Suggests that the crisis of authority in the discipline of English is mirrored in the crisis of audience in the job market. Argues that the job market, the politics of national accreditation, the controversy surrounding standards, and the fickleness of funding at all levels are driving English departments to mediate on questions of scholarship and…

Describes the author's department goals with three main principles: to build departmental community, to harness rather than dissipate energy, and to address multiple audiences simultaneously. Discusses how she communicates to the college as a whole what the department does well and finds ways in which caring for the department's interests might…

Explores possible responses to students' writings about religion. Suggests a social-epistemic response, urging students to examine their assumptions and to write for conflicting audiences. Proposes a unit on religious discourse, including various readings on religious rhetoric combined with students writing about their own religious background and…

Uses the term "shape shifting" to describe a set of evolving, institutionalized practices that are open to both dark and benign interpretations. Discusses ways to foster diversity. Presents a practical guide on how graduate programs can be more proactive in preparing students for positions that demand a diversity of specialization and skills. (SG)

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…