In this classroom study, the authors examine the use of popular psychology myths as a frame for literary analysis in high school English. The study reflects a cultural studies approach to teaching that attends to students' cultural awareness in interpreting what they read. Previous research has demonstrated that students' cultural awareness, in…

This paper is concerned with how refugee stories can be used as the means of exploring values and developing intercultural understanding in the English classroom. To illustrate this possibility, André Dao's (2005) "Vuot Bien--The Search for Freedom: Huong Thi Nguen's Story," about the impact of war and oppression on people's lives,…

Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the Modern Language Association of America (MLA) in Denver, Colorado, December 1969. (DS)

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…

A paper presented at annual convention of National Council of Teachers of English (Atlanta, November 27, 1970). (Editor/RD)

Literature in translation can provide English speaking secondary school students with a sensitive glimpse into life in other areas of the world and can be a contributor to international understanding. In such stories as Anne Holm's "I Am David," or "The Hostage," the characters become involved in webs of adventure and play…

Examines the implications of structuralism for reading and English instruction. Argues that, according to Structuralism, literature worth reading confronts readers with the gap between writing and thought and forces them to consider their own thinking and, in a larger sense, their own place within the culture. (MM)

This guide, a revision of a 1966 work by Robert O'Neal, is intended to encourage reading beyond the traditional English and American literature texts by making available a useful resource in an area where few teachers have adequate preparation. The guide contains comparative reviews of the works of 136 authors and of seven works without known…

Within the English curriculum, a course to provide familiarity with Western culture may prevent the problem of foreign students' misunderstanding Western literature. This problem was observed at Iran Girls' College during an American literature short story class conducted for advanced seniors, none of whom had been in America but whose English…