Gathers systematic national data in the English curriculum through surveys sent out by the Modern Language Association (MLA) to a stratified random sample of English programs. Summarizes two major sets of findings: those relating to courses offered during the 1989-91 period and those relating to the English major. (RS)

Contemplates how Northrop Frye, a serious man, displayed great confidence that there is a group of those who have seriously studied literature who know that this study is coherent and progressive and who have a sense of the unity of the subject. Suspects that many do not know or no longer know this sense unity of the subject and have to posit it…

Suggests that when applying for graduate school, students should begin with careful research, including talking with faculty members and counselors at their undergraduate institutions; then speak to faculty members and students at the schools under serious consideration. Discusses the degree program and the expectations. Considers employment and…

Considers how excessive reliance on an adjunct faculty can damage individual faculty members, students, institutions, and the profession. Urges college and university administrators to make new and concerted efforts to eliminate excessive and irresponsible adjunct faculty appointments, to improve employment conditions for essential adjunct faculty…

Examines the composition of the faculty and instructional staff in English, 1996-97 and examines the average percentage of undergraduate course sections taught. Analyzes the staffing of undergraduate courses in baccalaureate-, master's-, and doctorate-granting institutions. Considers the use of full-and part-time adjunct faculty members and the…

Presents guidelines that deal with digital media and the hiring, reappointment, tenure, and promotion processes. Notes that these guidelines are designed to help departments and faculty members implement effective evaluation procedures. Concludes when institutions seek work with digital media, and faculty members express interest in it, the…

Maintains that distance education initiatives should take into account the unique demands of teaching language and literature and should employ pedagogical strategies and technologies that ensure an appropriate educational environment. Outlines three principles in the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) statement that have…

Surveys English department chairs nationwide, examining the status of full-time non-tenure-track teachers in English departments of PhD-granting institutions. Finds that universities commonly hire short-term lecturers to teach when regular faculty members are "too expensive" for the job. Reports a plan adopted by Texas Tech University to deal with…

Describes the University of New Mexico's undergraduate writing program which provides a concentration in professional writing, offering students vocational and humanistic preparation by teaching skills and critically examining the contexts of their writing. Concludes that the English curriculum should accept the complementary importance of writing…

Describes the kinds of teaching jobs that most recent doctorates in English attain. Discusses the role of the English professor at regional universities. Considers how it is different from the role of professor at a larger state university or at a smaller private college. (HB)

Explores the ways a constellation of domestic metaphors has governed relationships between composition faculty and literature faculty in English departments and, further, governed the way English studies faculty have conceived their role in American universities in the 20th century. (SR)

Describes the characteristics that many "comprehensive" universities share, and some of the things that set them apart from one another. Cautions potential applicants that comprehensive institutions expect a balance of teaching and research different from that at graduate institutions. Advises that in interviewing, applicants should be…

Offers a different (liberal arts) perspective on the job market for PhDs in English from an undergraduate department chairman. Asks for better information about graduate study possibilities. Argues that the problem is to learn how to better advise aspiring PhD students, and to provide support for them. (PA)

Outlines two major problems facing English department administrators in their attempts to hire adequate new faculty: (1) reduced institutional resources; and (2) the complex problems connected with faculty retirements. Suggests methods by which administrators can best cope with limited hiring opportunities. (HB)

Presents an interview with Richard Lanham, Professor of English at UCLA, about his wide-ranging career, which has included work in rhetoric and style, composition theory and the teaching of writing, the implications of electronic text, and copyright law in the entertainment business. (SR)