The International Studies Compendium Project
November 2006 Newsletter
Andrea K. Gerlak, Director of Academic Development
Several months ago, the International Studies Association (ISA), in partnership with Blackwell Publishers, launched the International Studies Compendium Project. The project has attracted considerable attention and a flurry of activity among ISA members.
What is the Compendium Project?
At the 2006 annual meeting in San Diego , CA , the International Studies Association approved the undertaking of a major Compendium Project to be published by Blackwell Publishers. The project is designed to serve as high quality reference for international studies that will be of enduring value to the entire profession.
At the heart of the project are a series of review essays that will trace the development, current status and future prospects of the literature in various issue areas. Blackwell will market this hardback product to libraries and other institutions. In the electronic version, titled International Studies On-Line, the essays will be enhanced with live links to archives, datasets, cases, pedagogical aids and other relevant materials. Along with the on-line version of the project, there will be an on-line discussion forum so that individuals may respond to the essays. This project should be the start of a set of valuable conversations about where we have been, where we are, and where we might be headed in international studies. Along with the on-line version, Blackwell will also publish a hardback version of the materials in A-to-Z format to be titled ISE (International Studies Encyclopedia). Sections will also have the option of pursuing an independent volume. Bob Denemark of the University of Delaware will serve as general editor.
What is the purpose of the Compendium Project?
The Compendium Project will serve as a repository of information about the development of our thinking on a given issue, the status of the current literature, and possible future directions. This would be of significant use to students, professional scholars, and those who might wish to understand international studies in a sophisticated manner.
The adoption of review essays in the ten thousand word range also allows us to set high standards of scholarship. The ISA considers this project to be on a par with its journals, and each manuscript will be peer reviewed. This is important because it will assure quality and will allow those essays accepted to take their legitimate place on the CVs of their authors. Unlike traditional encyclopedia entries, many of which are paid for, these longer essays will be more sophisticated, have a more serious analytical content, and serve as a scholarly publication.
What is the status of the Compendium Project?
ISA sections have been asked to provide the lists of topics to be covered. Presently, all ISA sections are putting together committees to help coordinate this task. The committees are designed to include representatives from different facets of the discipline, as well as those of different ranks. Committees will identify potential authors and reviewers to cover the critical issues and topics within their section’s subfield. See the Compendium website for more information.
Recently, a Board of Advisory Editors was constructed to help guide the project. All former ISA presidents were asked to serve. Additional information on the Advisory Board can be found at the Compendium website.
How can I contribute to the Compendium Project?
The first goal of the Compendium Project is to have each section generate a list of topics to be considered and identify potential authors by the February, 2007 ISA annual meeting in Chicago , IL. Manuscripts should be ready for review around the end of 2007. If you are interested in participating in the Compendium Project as an author or potential reviewer, please contact the appropriate section chair. ISA section information can be found at: http://www.isanet.org/sections.html. Please use the ISA Feedback Form to convey any suggestions or thoughts you may have on the larger project at http://www.isanet.org/feedback.html.
