This book is a case study of a single learned discipline—political science. As such, the volume will, no doubt, primarily interest members of that discipline. In this chapter however, we seek a broader frame of reference for two reasons. For one thing, most learned disciplines have a good deal in common. The other reason is that the disciplines are influential forces in the American system of higher education. Individually and collectively, they merit far more attention than they have received.

The analysis of anything as complex as a learned discipline must take into account a number of variables; therefore, most of the topics treated in this volume are related. Nevertheless, many readers may be interested in only selected aspects of this study. Hence, the chapter order was determined, in those instances in which alternatives were present, by a desire to accommodate those who do not plan to read consecutively. This order, however, is not . . .