Throughout much of the 20th century, English departments were the crown jewels of the humanities. Exposure to great literature was often considered essential for students expected to assume lead roles in business, law, government, and society. Today, English departments have lost their position at the center of the American university. Enrollments…

This paper investigates the development of writing initiatives in Central and Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union, an area where prior to 1989, writing in universities played a very minor role. Using data gathered from eight institutions that currently have writing programs of some sort, I identify three typical paths writing initiatives…

The collection of articles in this book, covering some of the significant events and topics in the history of the Indiana University English Department, brings together some of the material assembled by William Riley Parker, especially the reminiscences of faculty members and former students. An introductory chapter by Parker is titled "Where…

If there is to be communication and mutual assistance between community colleges and universities, three myths about community colleges need to be dispelled: that they teach almost nothing but basic or remedial English, that no research is possible for those university people who study community college English programs or for community college…

Reveals that black professors make up 6 percent of the 979 full-time English department faculty at the 25 highest-ranked universities, with 30 being tenured and 10 holding chairs. The paper lists and briefly profiles these 30 tenured faculty. (GR)

Conclusions based on the replies of 22 schools in Kentucky as to course requirements in the training of secondary teachers of English are presented. The conclusions are: (1) 17 of the 22 schools require 36 or more semester hours for a major; (2) a 6-hour requirement in Freshman English is almost universal; (3) a requirement in Introduction to…

Shows why English department chairpersons feel that they are under a state of siege; suggests that chairpersons form bonds with other humanities chairpersons, help faculty members understand current difficulties, take the idea of accountability seriously, focus on student writing skills, and try to determine which courses are educationally…

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.…

Basic language skills required for work in the university are discussed regarding listening comprehension, varying standards of students' English, literature instruction, the function of English studies in the universities, English for science majors, and student resentment. (LBH)

The structure of the university English department in Third World countries is examined with respect to curricula, objectives, policies, and traditions. Examples are drawn from Arab countries, India, Pakistan, and several African countries. The typical syllabus in English has offered a complete coverage of English literature, but little emphasis…

To determine if there are significant differences between the first-semester freshman composition grading standards of public two-year and four-year institutions in the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, a composition instrument was mailed to 120 freshman composition directors from two-year and four-year member institutions. The…

This study investigated the effect of a set of predictors of success in both the undergraduate English program and in all other subjects. Academic data for the graduates of an Arab university's English department during three years were analyzed. The predictor variables examined were: (1) total scores on the secondary school certificate…

The number of M. A. programs for preparing TESOL teachers has grown greatly in the past decade. The profession generally has grown and matured during this period. The M. A. program at San Francisco State College was established in 1963 and has graduated over a hundred teachers. A number of developments, particularly in general linguistic theory,…

English departments in Arab universities have been in an uncertain state from their beginning for lack of specific policy on the emphasis to be given to English or comparative literature, English or general linguistics, or a combination. Leanings toward English literature have always been evident, but course offerings and faculty recruitment show…

Crucial issues facing the departments of English in the 1960's prompt a reexamination of literature-oriented curriculums, staff preparation, enrollment trends, and international needs in the teaching of English. The implications of a shortage of qualified beginning instructors with a Ph.D. in literature suggest that teachers be trained in the…