Incidents in an Educational Life

Incidents in an Educational Life chronicles the educational journey of John M. Swales. A leading scholar in the field of Applied Linguistics and its subfield of English for Specific Purposes, Swales has taught across the globe in places such as Italy, Sweden, Libya, the United Kingdom, and the University of Michigan. His memoir offers a rare glimpse into the professional journey of a prominent scholar and educator.


Incidents in an Educational Life explores the lessons Swales learned by teaching and by being taught. The story follows his gradual transformation from an English as a Second Language teacher to one of the leading international figures in his field, stopping along the way to tell the sometimes amusing, sometimes painful anecdotes that have made him the recognized educator he is today. His entertaining prose make this volume a must-read for anyone considering the field, or the many ways in which we all become teachers.

John M. Swales is one of the leading international scholars in the field of English for Specific Purposes. He retired in the summer of 2006 from the University of Michigan after teaching at multiple universities overseas. He is the co-author of the international bestseller Academic Writing for Graduate Students (3rd ed.).

“Though I have been John''s friend and colleague for more than 20 years, this volume gave me further insights, particularly into the influences upon his life and work. No doubt others who admire his writing, as well as his contributions to ESP and applied linguistics. will also benefit from his "narrated experiences," noting how John responded to, learned from, and made remarkably original comments on what he observed in texts and contexts.---Ann M. Johns, Professor Emerita, San Diego State University/former co-editor with John Swales of English for Specific Purposes Journal”

"Though I have been John's friend and colleague for more than 20 years, this volume gave me further insights, particularly into the influences upon his life and work. No doubt others who admire his writing, as well as his contributions to ESP and applied linguistics. They will also benefit from his "narrated experiences," noting how John responded to, learned from, and made remarkably original comments on what he observed in texts and contexts."
—Ann M. Johns, Professor Emerita, San Diego State University/former co-editor with John Swales of English for Specific Purposes Journal

John M. Swales is one of the leading international scholars in the field of English for Specific Purposes. He retired in the summer of 2006 from the University of Michigan after teaching at multiple universities overseas. He is the co-author of the international bestseller Academic Writing for Graduate Students (2nd ed.).

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