The Academic's Handbook

A truly unique offering on the topic of academia and the issues faced by modern universities. This volume's strength is that, as a collection of essays, it offers a diversity of viewpoints (and is incidentally relevant to both the sciences and humanities). This is not necessarily the type of a 'handbook' which will help those on the road to developing an academic career. Rather, I feel the material is to be read and reflected upon at a distance. But in any case, I would highly recommend this for anyone interested in academic culture. To the list of potential target groups (grad students, teaching assistants, early-careeer academics...) I would also add administrators, and particularly anyone on the verge of crossing over to admininstration. A fine resource.

This collection of readings was so helpful to me, even as a graduate student. I used selections from this book when I constructed a class for teaching assistants. Topics covered include academic freedom and free speech, getting a job, the art of publishing, and discussion vs. lecture courses. Absolutely indispensable reading for the academic. Will be an invaluable reference throughout an academic career.

This is a book I wish someone had told me about when still a doctoral student -- it certainly would have helped a great deal over the years. Things obviously would have worked much better and my transition from Graduate School to the professoriate would have been much smoother. Every graduate student and every new assistant professor needs one on their shelves. Not only that: Graduate Faculty, please buy one for your teaching assistant, your doctoral student and every graduate student you advise. It will do them a world of good and they'll be ever grateful to you!