In opposition to popular disparaging of television as an artistic medium, television can be considered as having its own aesthetics and can be placed in the category of fine arts (as opposed to folk arts). Television art can and should be distinguished from video art and film art in the ways in which it imitates reality; program content and…

Develops an analytic scheme for identifying and discussing major forms of the long-lived game show genre. Finds that recent generic refinements have been instituted to take advantage of the economic and regulatory conditions governing fringe television. (NKA)

Discussing Ralph Smith's monograph EXCELLENCE IN ART EDUCATION: IDEAS AND INITIATIVES, the author criticizes the reliance on "classics" or "masterpieces" for art education. Stating that Smith's elitism is unbeneficial, Hobbs advocates a mixture of the classics and local and popular art with a disposition to interpret and…

Argues that excellence in art education is not elitist, but that commitment to excellence is a traditional democratic value. Elaborates by describing the nature of beneficial elitism. Concludes that a synthesis of beneficial elitism and beneficial populism are required for the success of art education in a democracy. (BSR)

Schudson, Dan Schiller, Donald L. Shaw, and John J. Pauly discuss John C. Nerone's article (this issue) and suggest other approaches to the study of the penny press. (JK)

Describes the novels of Chris Crutcher--vital works which deal with young men, sports, and growing up. Points out the connections between Crutcher's background and his work. (ARH)

Analyzes popular fiction, particularly the detective novel, using Ruth Rendell's "An Unkindness of Ravens" as an example. Calls detective fiction political literature and claims that it gives readers a chance to affirm or criticize the dynamics of the confrontation of society and crime. (SRT)

Discusses different cultural and mass media, types of ownership, and organizational goals and strategies. Suggests that the "profit or perish" motive in the book publishing industry and the rise of communications conglomerates have not necessarily diminished the vitality or number of ideas in the marketplace. (PD)

Compares the works of Horatio Alger and Edward Stratemeyer and probes the reasons for their success. (HOD)

A whimsical personal narrative that explores the image educators have of prime time television and its effect on the author. (CRH)

Updates the list of classic excuses students make to teachers when their paper is late--this time in reference to the mishaps that may occur with a computer. (CRH)

This paper explores a new youth movement, spoken word, and the role it plays in identity development for many disenfranchised youth. Often addressing issues of identity, politics, gender, and power relations, young performance poets are carving out a critical public and educative space where they can speak "who they are." There is a…

Investigated the universality of myth and its function within the framework of television, employing examples from television news coverage and popular culture. Examined the role of the communication scholar and the artist with regard to creating and destroying mythologies. (PD)

Within the sister fields of art and art education, we seem to be equally at sea in our efforts to establish priorities, reassess our values, and redirect our energies. (Author)

Books, magazines, and newspapers for the general public have discovered middle age and, in spite of an exaggeration of mid-life crisis, provide adults with a broader perspective on mid-life adjustments. (SK)