Why Is Academic Writing So Academic_ _ The New Yorker (1)

Introduction to Academic Writing

  • Definition: Academic writing is a style specifically adapted for scholarly work, characterized by its formal tone and structure.

  • Purpose: The primary aim is to communicate research findings, theories, and analyses to a specialized audience.

The Colloquium Experience

  • Scholarly Discussion: The author reflects on presenting a paper at an American Literature Colloquium.

  • Content Focus: Paper centered on Thomas Kuhn's concept of "paradigm shift" and its misappropriations.

  • Mixed Reception: Participants appreciated the work; however, concerns about publishing it in an academic journal surfaced.

Dichotomy of Academic vs. Ordinary Writing

  • Characteristics of Ordinary Writing: Aims to instruct and entertain, characterized by accessibility and delight.

  • Complexity of Academic Writing:

    • Requires a balance of being dry yet clever.

    • Must be persuasive while remaining impersonal.

    • Strives for clarity but often convoluted and comprehensive.

  • Ideal Audience: It is aimed at a small, knowledgeable group, highlighting its paradox of being both personal and impersonal.

Cultural Reflection on Academic Writing

  • Response to Criticism: Nicholas Kristof's critique on exclusivity within academic writing prompted a debate on its accessibility and impact.

  • Social Media: Professors defended their engagement in public intellectualism through social platforms, countering claims of marginalization.

  • Defensive Styles: Responses from academics were critiqued for being overly serious and humorless, contrasting the engaging style of journalists like Kristof.

Systemic Challenges in Academia

  • Transformation of the Academic Landscape: The author argues that the true challenge lies within the shrinking, insular system of academia rather than personal failures of professors.

  • Comparison with Journalism: Journalism is evolving towards a more populist model, while academia is experiencing an opposite trend.

  • Smaller Audiences:

    • Academic work is increasingly pitched to smaller niches, restricting broader engagement.

    • Professors face demands of impressing highly selective audiences such as tenure committees and academic journals.

Conclusion on Academic Writing's Future

  • Need for Expansion: For academic writing to flourish and become more expansive, the underlying academic system must also undergo expansion.

  • Historical Context: Reflects on the past when professors were vital public intellectuals, suggesting that contemporary pressures have diminished this role.

  • The Current Landscape: Today's academic writing, despite its quality, exists within a competitive and contractive academic system.