This abstract is from the cover of the book.
Scholarly yet provocatively written, Academic Outlaws presents a comprehensive discussion of how life within academics is experience by gay men and lesbian women. Using a narrative style that mixes autobiography, case study data, and fiction, author William G. Tierney (Center for Higher Education, University of Southern California) provides timely insight into the challenges these people face in higher education and proposes an alternative process for redefining long-established cultural norms. He works at the intersection of contested issues both in the intellectual and practical realms of university life, exploring the theoretical and real-life implications of cultural studies, queer theory, and critical theory among others. Drawing readers into a comfortable conversation about some of society,s most difficult topics, this book demonstrates the need to reframe concepts such as oppression, difference, language, and culture as they affect the social culture of our learning institutions.
Of broad and contemporary appeal, this book should be read by researchers, academics, students, and lay readers as well. Academic Outlaws will also appeal to those interested in knowledge production and how we might reconfigure the academy as we approach the 21st century. The policy-related implications will be stimulating to those who are concerned with issues of equity.
“One of the few portraits of higher education from a postmodern queer analysis that is devoid of painful rhetoric and brutal theorizing. I plan to use it for a course I teach on gay and lesbian issues. A passionately argued and personally revealing postmodern analysis of academia and the queer presence. Rousing, enlightening, and lucid.” - James T. Sears, Professor of Curriculum and Higher Education, University of South Carolina
“William G. Tierney amply and ably probes the political charge of the specifics of an out gay researcher versus the unmarked person who does research on gay and/or lesbian topics.” - Patti Lather, Professor of Education and Women’s Studies, The Ohio State University
“William G. Tierney’s ability to translate theory into strategies for change eliminates the common excuses that scholars do not provide blueprints for transformation. The book is communicated with passion, commitment, and love.” - Mildred Garcia, Associate Vice Provost, Arizona State University—West
“Every heterosexual person should read this book. It could be one small step in making for a more peaceful, happier world.” - Clyde Hendrick, Department of Psychology, Texas Tech University Graduate School
“William G. Tierney’s juxtaposition of critical theory and structural analysis is the most coherent and systematic framework for cultural studies to date. A far-reaching intellectual accomplishment.” - Yvonna S. Lincoln, Professor, Texas A&M
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