To list members,
Regarding Otfried's comments on lack of Italian jobs.
I whole-heartedly support his comments. For example, in the current MLA
Job List here in the States (April 1998) there was not a single Italian
job announced. This to me is very frightening. To the best of my memory,
all through my graduate work years and personal years of job hunting,
there have always been at least a few Italian positions in every MLA Job
List. I realize that is not the only source for postings, but it gives
one pause...
At the recent American Assn. of Italian Studies convention in Chicago, I
spoke with several junior members of the profession and got the same
daunting feedback.. On the other hand, others have been and are being
extremely active about recruiting students, developing Italian programs at
their own universities, inviting guest speakers on topics of Italian and
Italo-American cultural interest etc. I would like to open a discussion
among list members about what we can do to ensure that Italian language
and literature will continue to receive funding.
Many small departments here are threatened: if one colleague out of a 2-3
person department retires or resigns, the position is not automatically
guaranteed renewal. We must become more active: presenting an active
presence on our campuses and to our administrations to in effect promote
the necessity of teaching Italian.
Could I invite members to respond? What is your division doing that works
well to recruit students, build departments and retain positions? What
are particular threats to your division on the local level? How can these
be overcome?
For instance, a guest lecturer who just today spoke to my Dante graduate
class commented that in Indianapolis, IN, there is no school that offers
Italian courses should a businessman, artist, traveller or interested
person wish to study that fantastic language and culture.
What can we do on a national and global basis to keep Italian studies
strong?
Respectfully submitted,
Gloria Allaire
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