 Academic Cultures: Professional Preparation and the Teaching Lifereviewed by Peter Filene - January 16, 2009  Title: Academic Cultures: Professional Preparation and the Teaching LifeAuthor(s): Sean P. Murphy (Ed.) Publisher: Modern Language Association, New York ISBN: 160329001X, Pages: 260, Year: 2008 Search for book at Amazon.com This collection of 18 essays seeks to build a bridge across the gap—or more accurately, the chasm—between graduate school and academic employment. Most graduate students are trained to become research scholars who, in the mold of their professors, hope to work in elite four-year institutions and write books. As for teaching, if they’re lucky they receive some experience and mentorship, but teaching is not a criterion for earning a doctorate. More than likely, however, their first academic position will look nothing like this model. The vast majority—perhaps as many as 90 percent—of the newly minted Ph.D.s who are fortunate enough to be hired will work in teaching-intensive colleges (Gaff, 2002). Juggling four or more courses per semester, they will have virtually no time or resources for research and publication. Moreover, their students probably won’t resemble the undergraduates they’re familiar with. Many will be first-generation college students, much older than twenty-one,... (preview truncated at 150 words.) To view the full-text for this article you must be signed-in with the appropriate membership. Please review your options below:
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