Argues that English teachers should open classroom doors to the world's violence in order to examine, interpret, and reduce it, focusing critical inquiry on the subject of violence. Describes how, in the author's English classroom, the study of violence in popular culture compels critical inquiry as students research what they know about violence…

Suggests that by reading relevant literature, examining films, essays, and music lyrics, and listening closely to students themselves, both teachers and students can come to better understand violence. Reviews specific works of literature and subject areas covered in a lower-level college literature course and a high school English class. Includes…