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by Mary Stevenson, Coordinator, Writing Across the Curriculum
Extension 0573, MStevenson@pgcc.edu
SHERMAN SILVERMAN: ON PUBLISHING
Ever served on a textbook committee and find nothing quite matches your
needs? In search of that right book, Sherman Silverman, professor of Geography,
began by writing a prospectus for McGraw-Hill, a proposed cultural geography
textbook. The responses from reviewers were divided: the community college
faculty saw their issues and their students in the proposed book; but those from
four-year schools were not as enthusiastic. Sherman’s solution? He contacted
Wiley, a custom service publisher. For $28 to $33, the company publishes his
textbook, complete with exercises and articles, all written by Sherman. The
articles are ones that he has written and presented at professional conferences
(many published). And all are about subjects he finds interesting; his
enthusiasm for the subjects carries over to the book and the classroom.
Listening to Sherman, I too found myself interested in the geography of Prince
George’s County and intrigued by the continued existence of Jewish high school
fraternities, in the face of forces that encourage assimilation. Besides
interesting content, each article also offers a demonstration of key concepts,
terms, and methodology in his field. If you have questions about his experience
in publishing for his class, call Sherman on extension 0530. And if you would
enjoy reading an interesting article outside of your own field, ask him for a
copy of that paper on those Jewish high school fraternities, "Diffusion and
Ethnic Assimilation."
TRACY WALKER CONTEST
Entries for the Tracy Walker Writing Contest have been submitted. The
winner of this annual award for 2002 will receive the $500 prize at the
Student Honors Convocation, May 7, 2003.
CALL FOR READERS: WORKS IN PROGRESS
This spring, WAC will be sponsoring a new series, Works in Progress,
authors on campus reading from work in progress. If you have been writing a
novel or a play or long work of nonfiction, consider sharing part of your
working draft with the college. If you know of a colleague who has such a
project but who may be shy, please call Mary Stevenson. I promise not to reveal
who told.
PORTFOLIO HELP!
Writing and organizing the portfolio for promotion and/or tenure is a very
difficult task, one due early in the spring semester. This year the new faculty
handbook contains revised instructions on content and organization that give
specific directions. You may access the Faculty Evaluation and Promotion
Handbook on the Web at http://academic.pg.cc.md.us/instruction/eval/handbooks_index.htm.
Also, the library has copies of portfolios done last year that
serve as excellent models. If, though, you would like a friendly reader, e-mail
or call me.
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