The Academic Self
An Owner’s Manual
Donald E. Hall
Donald E. Hall offers a self-help book designed for academics, from
graduate students to tenured faculty. He helps readers engage in an active
process of career management, goal setting, prioritization, and reflection
on the norms that constitute what he calls “academic selfhood.” Drawing
broadly on the insights of Anthony Giddens’ notions of reflexivity and
self-identity, Hall encourages new and seasoned scholars to “own up to”
the behaviors, attitudes, and complicities that compromise their professional
identities. This book couples all its exhortations with clear, concrete,
and practical strategies for responding productively to the many uncertainties
of academic life.
Separate chapters of the book examine the textuality of the academic
self, profession, academic processes and collegiality. Among the topics
candidly discussed are careerism, burnout, procrastination, and insecurity.
Throughout the book readers will find anecdotes, real-life examples, and
concrete tips for constructing and maintaining a successful career defined
on their own terms.
The Academic Self: An Owner’s Manual opens up a new and frank discussion
on academic life and academics’ basic responsibility for their own actions
and attitudes.
“Hall’s advice is courageous and sensible. It is about time that someone
applied the insights of the self-help movement, as American as Emerson,
to the fluctuations and uncertainties of the academic career. Hall is a
wise guide to overcoming the accidents and dysfunctions of professional
life, and an inspiring advocate for being true to oneself as the way to
find genuine happiness and success.” —Elaine Showalter, Princeton
University
Donald E. Hall is professor and Associate Chair of English, California
State University, Northridge, and author of
The Academic Community: A Manual for
Change.
©
THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY PRESS
