How to Build a Life in the Humanities: Meditations on the Academic Work-Life Balance

by Greg Colón Semenza

A follow-up to the popular Graduate Study for the 21st How to Build an Academic Career in the Humanities, this book seeks to expand professional development to include the personal aspects of daily lives in the humanities. It does so in response to a conviction that the contemporary academy has given rise to a host of complex personal challenges which demand serious reflection due to their direct impact on us as scholars, pedagogues, and university citizens. A collection of 25 short essays by leading humanists in all stages of their careers, How to Build a Life in the Humanities will delve into such under-discussed academic "life" issues maternity leaves; tenure-track stress; adjunct exploitation; post-tenure depression; personal relationships; exercise and hobbies; managing ambition; administrative burdens; institutional politics; classism; racism; sexism; and identity politics, among others. These candid, illuminating essays combine practical wisdom with meditative reflections upon the challenges of academic life and will be of interest to humanists of all ranks, from potential or beginning graduate students to seasoned professionals.

Genres: Nonfiction, Academia, Grad School

Mass Market Paperback

First published April 16, 2015

Reviews

[Stacey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved many of the essays (on Teaching, Grading, Dept. Citizenship), and many on personal issues, but others bugged me. The sole contributor on "Life in a Community College" described a life that only a semi disengaged senior professor might lead at a cc with little resemblance to the two I've taught in for over 20 years. But, clearly, the editors chose folks with some name recognition who write for IHE or the Chronicle, or other places to represent "life in the humanities". 3.5 stars.

[ػᶈᶏϾӗ]

Pretty good follow-up to Semenza's previous book. Lots of informative stuff on diverse lives in the Humanities. It manages to not all be depressing, either. We identified many sections we would like to see added: Politics, Sex, Substance Abuse, Conferences, Friendships. Something on unionizing for graduate students would be nice too. I would love to see this expanded into another edition.

[Liz De Coster · Rating 3 out of 5]

I recommend browsing; some essays just weren't relevant to me, and I assume other people. Still a good resource overall for perspectives on lives in the humanities in and around the academy.