Describes the use of scene work, informal presentations of dramatic passages, to explore aspects of plays that readers are likely to overlook. Finds that this scene work increases the pertinence of students' comments in class and the ambitiousness of their written work. (MM)

Surveys the opportunities for research in lesbian literature. Notes the vast amount of basic work yet to be done in this field as a result of past neglect, the limited accessibility of biographical and resource materials on lesbian writers, and the negative effects of homophobia. (RL)

Examines students' difficulties in reading literature and suggests methods for helping them to develop and improve skills necessary for the mature reading of literature. (MM)

Spontaneity and personal freedom are seen as the fundamental requisites to creative teaching. Unseen pressures leading to increasing conformity in classroom procedures and methods are revealed and constrasted with unique examples of teaching Thoreau, Kafka, and Donne. Teachers are urged to rely upon their own creative impulses. (RL)

A course in advanced composition and analytical reading designed for elementary school teachers is proposed. Stressing the importance of literary appreciation of works of exceptional merit, the author returns to the systematic study of English composition using literature as the basis of the composition course. Some of the authors mentioned are…

Presents the notion of a "textshop," which juxtaposes methods of teaching reading and writing with psychoanalysis, both of which are approached through Andre Breton's invention of surrealism. (JC)

A number of techniques applicable to the teaching of Shakespeare are described with some illustrations from the author's own teaching experience. Analysis of dramatic structure receives significant attention with equal space devoted to the Gustav Freytag formula and the author's own technique. Literary, dramatic, social, and personal goals in the…