Modern Language Association (MLA)

Founded in 1883, the Modern Language Association of America provides opportunities for its members to share their scholarly findings and teaching experiences with colleagues and to discuss trends in the academy. MLA members host an annual convention and other meetings, work with related organizations, and sustain one of the finest publishing programs in the humanities. For over a hundred years, members have worked to strengthen the study and teaching of language and literature. The MLA at a Glance Over 30,000 members in 100 countries Programs serving English and foreign language teachers An annual convention, with meetings on a wide variety of subjects, and smaller seminars across the country The MLA International Bibliography, the only comprehensive bibliography in language and literature, available online A book publication program issuing about 12 new books each year and maintaining a backlist of over 200 titles 4 major periodicals: the ADE Bulletin; the ADFL Bulletin; Profession; and PMLA, one of the most distinguished journals in the humanities A quarterly newsletter providing association news, lists of deadlines, and items of interest to members 136 divisions and discussion groups for specialized scholarly and teaching interests of members 47 membership committees overseeing association activities and publications Leadership in the national education community Membership Involvement in Association Activities Over 300 members are elected to govern the association through its Executive Council, Delegate Assembly, and other governance committees. Over 650 members serve on the executive committees of the 87 divisions and 49 discussion groups that represent the scholarly and teaching interests of various constituencies within the profession and that help determine much of the program at the annual convention. Over 2,000 members give papers and readings each year at the convention. Hundreds of readers join the 50 members of the PMLA Editorial Board and Advisory Committee in reviewing essays submitted for publication. More than 120 specialists index articles and journals for the MLA International Bibliography. Over 70 members are involved in selecting the winners of the 23 prizes the MLA awards for outstanding scholarly books and articles on language and literature.