Rewriting Success in Rhetoric and Composition Careers

Rhetoric and composition is a field facing two conflicting realities: professional status is currently defined by full-time, tenure-track university positions, but few new rhetoric and composition graduates will ever work in such positions. Three academic professors of rhetoric and composition, each of whom also works with students at their home university in another role, have edited this book. Its purpose is to let a new generation of rhetoric and composition professionals redefine what a career in the rhetoric and composition field is, and what success in the field means. Amy Goodburn (English, U. of Nebraska-Lincoln) is also Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. Donna LeCourt (English, U. Massachusetts-Amherst) is also Director of the Writing Center. Carrie Leverenz (English, Texas Christian U.) is also Director of the Institute for Critical and Creative Expression. The book is organized in three sections: redefining work in academic institutions, redefining valuable knowledge beyond academe, and working for change. Contributors look at teaching in technical programs and two-year colleges, building respect and career as part-time faculty or academic professionals, and at how rhetoric and composition offers tools for legal writing, editing, mentoring, activism and nonprofit work, academic-community collaboration, and applied research. The book offers a mix of personal and formal essays, all written in skillful, accessible language. It will be an important book for graduate courses in rhetoric and composition. It may also be a useful guide for many liberal arts professions in the near future. Strongly recommended for students, teachers, and professionals, both in and out of the academic world. Annotation c2013 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)