Delving into the hotly debated issues surrounding the relevance of the humanities in today's society, this book analyzes the history and current status of literary study in America. Carl Woodring casts an astute eye on the culture wars, chastising both the radicals who have jettisoned humanism and the conservatives who reject any challenge to prevailing tastes. From the role of technology in classrooms and libraries to needed changes in the tenure system, from the effect of the current emphasis on research and publication to helpful advice for young teachers, Literature, An Embattled Profession offers critical insights into ways to rescue the profession of literary study from insularity and dissension.