Observant visitors to college campuses are frequently surprised, amused or aghast at the cultural environment. Yet few books describe university life with honesty and humor. Academic Pursuits follows the trials and tribulations of a dedicated professor at a major university. Professor of journalism Gary Peterson struggles to find his place in the crazy world of academia, but his efforts are confounded by his own political ineptitude. Political shenanigans, personal illness and the general chaos of life on campus constantly interfere with his sincere efforts to balance his obsession with work with his love for life.