Being on a quarter system is different. Classes start a bit later in the academic year; we try to squeeze 16 weeks of information in 10; we meet with students for hours at a time. Just when I get the hang of it, the quarter ends.
I am serving as director of graduate studies this year. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do and I’m enjoying the challenge. I have implemented a new class for grads called the “proseminar.” As the name entails, it is designed to professionalize the students. I’m also teaching a seminar for the grad students who are instructors in their own right. We meet weekly to engage pedagogical issues. Both seminars require readings, writings, and active participation from the students. And that means lots of readings, editing, preparation, and leadership on my part.
I continue to teach undergraduate theory. I believe in this course (and the way I teach it) so much that I’m writing a book for it. That’s a year or so down the line, however.
I have other research projects going on – changing rates of working poor across the country and interviews with women who work in low-wage jobs. I’ve got two papers close to publication – one on rates of work poor; the other on teaching about it.
Any spare time I have is filled with faculty meetings, department duties, and individual time with students.
It’s not hard to get into a rhythm when you have such a full life.
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