Argues that a thematic approach to teaching criticism--based on frequent, integrated writing tasks--accommodates the constraints found in the typical undergraduate course on rhetorical criticism. Illustrates this approach with reference to two themes: Ronald Reagan's discourse and the rhetoric of war and peace. (MM)

Describes several methods by which practicing English teachers enhance the instruction of literary terms in the classroom. Focuses on the actual methods used in an English class, including "theme seeds" and the fostering of metaphoric thinking. (HB)

Defines the term "cultural model" as the set of assumptions a particular group has, or the kinds of goals a group strives for, or the attitudes that shape how one cultural group reacts to another group. Shows how cultural models shape student responses to Richard Pick's short story "I Go Along." Suggests writing assignments that reflect on…

Focuses on how textual analysis might be renovated at a level as basic as freshman writing. Considers the possibility of combining textual analysis with personal narrative and reporting. Considers how recent literary criticism utilizes personal narrative strategies. Outlines six ways authorial presence is detectable in critical works. (HB)

Describes a program designed by an elementary teacher and a biochemist to enhance student understanding of science. Although the effort is appreciated, many voice their concerns regarding the development of curriculum in this manner. (ZWH)

Examines the possibility of negotiating ethical issues productively in the postmodern classroom. Reviews Iris Marion Young's refutation of distributive ethics and Young's alternative system based on group difference. Describes recent work on classroom ethics relying on distributive language. Suggests ways of extending this work in light of Young's…

Using a recent, acclaimed French novel about the history of a family for illustration, techniques for literary study in the language class are presented. The approach addresses not only the historical and familial substance of the story but the novel's format, construction, and style. (MSE)

Presents procedures for student-guided critical analyses of current topics in biology. (ZWH)

Describes a method for teaching students how to write about literature that asks students to produce numerous "parts" in one large project. Provides a basic outline and explanation of the assigned tasks. (HB)

Describes an assignment used at the beginning of a unit on poetry in which students analyze rhyme scheme, meter, feet per line, lyric quality, and theme of the lyrics to a favorite song. Notes that after this students may move more easily into analyzing poems. (SR)

Discusses Mindy Faber's autobiographical video as an allegory of contradictory interpretations of female hysteria as both a theater of femininity and feminist revolt. Provides an analysis of the resonance between student responses to "Delirium" (her auto/biographical video about her mother's long battle with mental illness) and…

Offers 50 diverse suggestions intended to offer students new ways to think about a piece of literature, new directions to explore, and ways to respond with greater depth to the books they read. (SR)

Discusses Margaret Atwood's "provocative and funny" short story "Rape Fantasies," and describes how, when teaching this story the author encourages students to sympathize with Estelle (the narrator) before they judge her (instead of rushing to achieve closure and begin interpretation). (SR)

Discusses extending the "Witch's Hat" technique with the Problem-Solution pattern and the dialog projection technique to help learners comprehend and produce basic narrative discourse in English by developing awareness of the rhetorical structure of stories. Discusses benefits of the combined strategy. (RS)

Examines George Herbert's sonnet "Prayer" to argue for the integration of literary and linguistic approaches to the critical appreciation of poetry at both A/AS and university levels of the GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education). Presents a model analysis of the sonnet and discusses why its distinctive linguistic and literary features…