This history of the Federal Board for Vocational Education, established in 1917, reviews controversies over its constitutionality and control of education; criticism of its director, Charles Prosser; its contributions to vocational education; and reasons it was abolished in 1946. (SK)

Provides an account of the recent right-wing backlash in the United States against trends in higher education. Traces the continuing "crisis in English" to historical origins of humanities as a sequestered enclave. Suggests that this conflict will largely determine the future of English instruction. (HB)

Outlines the contradictions inherent in the conservative agenda supporting both the traditional literary canon of instruction and an aggressive promotion of vocationalist modernization. Discusses the connections between these two initiatives and offers an example of a practical alternative to both. (HB)

Argues that monologues on multiculturalism abound but that, to promote dialogue, educators are responsible for setting the table with their part of the dialogue, no matter how dogmatic, orthodox, or rigid it may appear to others. (SR)

Argues for a broadening of the range of rhetorical positions to which writing students are presently assigned. Envisions current practices of composition from the political left. Proposes a rhetorical position from which writing might become a means of cultural transformation. (HB)

Outlines the controversies that began as the English Department at Louisiana State University tried to revise the departmental curriculum. Raises important questions for any department to consider as they undertake a similar revision. (HB)

The context for learning, education, and arts has altered dramatically, as has the cultural environment for educators and those involved in artistic and creative activities. Several crucial developments have transformed the terrain of technology, education, art, and culture, profoundly affecting not only the social and political structure of…

Presents an interview with postcolonial theorist Homi Bhabha, who sees writing as a highly political activity. Discusses: critical literacy as an essential step toward agency, self-representation, and an effective democracy; the role of postcolonial theory; and cultural difference. (RS)

Addresses Patrick Buchanan's political discourse by interweaving traditional rhetorical terms with more politically charged terms. Analyzes the dialectical relationships among rhetorical tropes, the structures of arguments, and political ideologies. Discusses the role of rhetoric in arguments for United States democracy during the colonial,…

Places the question of departmental excellence within "the winds of historicity and temporality" and the political demands of multiple constituencies. Concludes that the task for every department that wants to pursue excellence is to know, understand, and operate within the hidden curriculum of a campus that socializes faculty to the…

Impact fees are one-time charges assessed to residential developers that help pay for new roads, libraries, school buildings, and other infrastructure needed for growing populations. The fees' highly political nature has pitted school officials against developers, with mixed results. Utah, South Carolina, Florida, and Colorado initiatives are…

Addresses philosophical issues arising from debates over "political correctness" and "great books" in the early 1990s. Observes that "correctness" now carries a negative connotation, and suggests that a distinction be drawn between transmitting political or moral views and doing so dogmatically. Defends Paulo Freire's…

Presents a long-time two-year college teacher's reflections on retirement and the profession. Discusses ways in which to continue writing and working after retirement. Considers the politics of regional, local, and national English organizations in terms of what's best for the teachers and students. Sums up in seven assertions what he has learned…

Contends that debates over coeducation have given rise to a growing literature that tends to focus on a few generalizations, rather than on the methodological weaknesses of these generalizations and the normative character of the proposed practical conclusions summarized under the term "reflexive education." Discusses these problems in detail.…

Believes that by teaching presidential impeachment through an issues-centered approach, students will discover key political values, the ambiguities in legal documents, the clash of power sources, and an appreciation of legal norms. Offers a lesson on teaching presidential impeachment through the use of a student debate. (CMK)