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EXPERTISE
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PERSONAL STATEMENT OF ACADEMIC PURPOSE
By Dr. Andrew D. Kaufman
Written in Los Angeles, California, May 2003
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Conclusion:
Multi-Polarity Redirected
into a Full-time Academic Position
I am aware that mine has been a rather unorthodox academic career, combining multiple passions and pursuits, albeit within the framework of a relatively consistent set of interests—in Russian literature, Russian culture, and the (performing) arts. I am equally aware that, in order further to pursue a career as a professional academician, I will no longer be able to move as freely as I have in the past among my multiple interests. I am prepared for this, even excited about it. The prospect of establishing roots, both professional and personal, in an academic institution, while researching, writing, and teaching in the discipline I love, outweighs in my mind whatever ostensible loss of freedom of “mobility” I have had up to this point in my career. I am ready and eager to take this next step.
Furthermore, I believe that the multiplicity of my skills and talents will prove to be one of the unique strengths I can contribute to the academy as a scholar, a teacher, and a citizen. For example, I believe it is precisely my multi-polarity, my capacity not only to understand but also to inhabit multiple worlds and perspectives, that lends my scholarship and my teaching their empathy, interdisciplinary breadth, and passionate concern with the real-world human struggles that literature addresses. I also believe that my versatility will help to make me an effective academic leader. At some point down the road in my academic career, I envision myself assisting with various aspects of departmental administration, possibly developing cultural outreach and study abroad opportunities for students, and acting as a liaison between the Russian department and the administration in an effort to persuade the administration--in a language they understand--of the vital importance of maintaining a vibrant Russian program on campus.
As somebody who has had the unique privilege to be able to study and experience Russia from so many different perspectives (as a scholar, author, actor, and businessman in Russia), I believe in the universal relevance of Russian literature and culture. I believe that the work done by teachers of Russian language and literature is important, not only because Russia is among the most influential societies today, but also because the great Russian books are among the most powerful and enduring works of world literature. Russian literature present compelling artistic responses—even antidotes—to the forces of injustice, corruption, and materialism that engulf so much of contemporary life, in Russia and in our own country.
I cannot think of a more noble pursuit than to research, write and teach about such important matters. And I can think of no better place to do so than within the structure of the academy. The college or university whose faculty I join may rest assured that I am in it for the long haul, and that I will bring to the position every ounce of energy, scholarly passion, worldly pragmatism, and strong sense of professional and social purpose, with which I have tried and will continue to try to live my life.
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