This book describes a year-long participant-observer case study of the professorship as a profession. Following an introductory chapter, each chapter examines one aspect of the professor's occupation by recounting the specific experiences of the author, a sociology professor at Wright State University (Ohio). Chapter 2 looks at the department as the center of power for the professor, and details the process of searching for and hiring a new member. Chapter 3 examines the department's reactions to an administrative change in the size of general education classes. Chapter 4 describes several additional events of the study year, such as reactions to major scheduling changes and failed development of a peace studies concentration. Chapter 5 focuses on teaching functions, including textbook selection, syllabus development, use of class time, examinations, student evaluation, and evaluation of the professor by students. Chapter 6 considers the diverse body of students, and their varying agendas and relationships with the professor. Chapter 7 is about the research and scholarship function, and chapter 8 recounts reactions of colleagues to this specific study. Chapters 9 and 10 consider the professor's service role and the professor's family life, and chapter 11 sums up the professor's role as a professional. (Contains 65 references.) (DB)