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• To examine the range of scholarship that has been done regarding one of the major constituencies of the college and university, namely the professoriate
• To familiarize students with different perspectives on faculty careers, values, beliefs and activities as well as professorial roles in shared governance
• To integrate required readings and out-of-class readings into a final research paper on a topic related to college and university faculty
• To explore public perceptions of college and university faculty through popular fiction and non-fiction works
• To understand the tenure process, examine tenure policies, and explore the implications of tenure systems
• To study issues unique to faculty of color and women faculty
• To prepare students to make informed decisions about faculty careers and to work with faculty colleagues on their campuses

The course will employ a variety of approaches of instruction and will rely heavily on student participation and discussion. Course requirements include both written and oral assignments. You will be evaluated on the following items:

1. Class participation — This class is conducted as a seminar; therefore, you are expected to attend and to be actively involved in the class. You are expected to participate in and lead class discussions in a manner that demonstrates thoughtful reflection and understanding of the subject matter, as well as respect for your colleagues in the class. To do so, you must complete the readings that are assigned for each session of the class prior to attending that class session. Active participation also means that each participant is willing to listen to other points of view and to change his or her mind. This means you must listen to others, respond thoughtfully, demonstrate an understanding of the issues, and show a willingness to learn and grow.

2. Integrative Essay — At one time during the semester, you are expected to turn in an integrative essay that addresses topics/issues/themes covered in the class readings during that week of class. You will lead the class discussion the week you have selected to write the integrative essay. Although not required, you also may draw from additional sources that will inform your discussion. Each essay should be approximately 3-5 pages in length. The essays will be due at the beginning of the class session that you will be a discussion leader.

3. Essay on Faculty in Popular Culture — Prepare a short paper (no more than 5 pages) that will serve as a basis for class discussion on October 13. The paper is based on a book, either fiction or non-fiction, in which faculty member(s) are central characters and/or the focus is on faculty life. In the paper:

• Very briefly summarize the book.

• Describe how faculty life is portrayed. What are some key themes?

• Given the social context at the time the author(s) wrote the book and discuss possible reasons why faculty were portrayed in this way.

• Are there aspects of the book that are consistent with the course readings and class discussions? Are there aspects that are not?

In class on October 13, you will use your short paper as a guide in presenting and leading the discussion on your selected book. We will consider your answers to these questions and how the descriptions of faculty life that appear in the popular press correspond with the higher education literature. Please also consider whether you recommend others read the book.

4. Final Paper — Your final paper can take two forms: a synthesis of theory and research or a research proposal. Over the course of the semester, you will select a topic that relates to course content and to your own research interests. As just one example, if you have an interest in faculty salary equity, you might do a synthesis of theory and research regarding gender and faculty salaries. You also might write a research proposal for a study that examines salary equity among faculty in the sciences and engineering. On October 27, you are expected turn in a brief description (no more than one, single-spaced page) of your final paper topic. You will meet with me individually to discuss your paper between November 10 and December 1. I will distribute a handout with additional information about your final paper during the first class. Throughout the semester, we will spend some class time discussing your papers.

• The final paper is due on December 8. You also will be asked to do a brief presentation summarizing the major points of your paper.

•  Note: All assignments should be turned in on time unless other arrangements are made well in advance of deadlines.

• All formal written work should adhere to APA style as described in the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (5^th Ed.).

A Strong Recommendation — Work with a partner or small group of peers in the class to read and critique each other’s written assignments. It has been my personal experience that multiple drafts and revisions of my written work are always necessary. As part of this process, I have found that thoughtful critiques from my peers provide me with insight and information that is extremely helpful to me as I seek to improve as a writer. I will do whatever I can to facilitate this process. Just ask me.

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