Prior to her joining the California Writing Project's (WP) Improving Students' Academic Writing (ISA) program, the author relates how she used to get frustrated when she read her students' essays. As a result of her new understanding gained from her participation at ISA, the author boldly banished traditional literary analysis papers that asked…

Discusses the purpose and method for getting youngsters to approach a piece of literature with these queries: I wonder what a fellow human being had to say here...." What's his vision of things?..." I wonder how this composer has used language to express his thoughts, feelings, and dreams." (Author/RB)

Discusses how writing is the combination of two voices, "creator" and "critic," and how writers use these voices to create a recognizable yet variable pattern. Presents two story beginnings by Rachel McCaleb Watts that illustrate the repetitions and variations in one writer's work. (ARH)

After a second reading, the author interpreted Janathan Livingston Seagull'' as being filled with advice to teachers and urges teachers to become familiar with current literature. (MM)

The human condition can be better understood by reading both fiction and nonfiction. (JH)

Describes a unit of study on the theme of death used with high school junior and senior literature classes. (TO)

Analyzes three parts of Tunis' novel in view of the author's opening statement, This is a book about the conscience of a man.''

Reviews the general classes of biographies written about Shakespeare and suggests that no simple connection between his work and his life can be drawn. (MM)

Recommends eight books about literature, literary criticism, and the teaching of literature. (MG)

Argues that language arts education and discussions of language arts have skirted issues of existential philosophy and religion, even though these issues are inherently a part of literature. Raises concerns about the personal and political consequences of avoiding questions about why people exist and what purpose they have in life. (TB)

Suggestions for using Dead Souls" in the high school literature class. (SP)

Describes Albert Camus's writings regarding semantic abuses in public rhetoric. (DD)

A study of Richard III, Shakespeare's version, versus a study of the real king, can help to prevent the complacent state of mind and will encourage students to search for the truth, freed from the propaganda with which it is often surrounded. Brief annotated bibliography. (Author)

Offers glimpses into the landscapes of people's lives. Discusses Edith Bruck's "Who Loves You Like This,""Life Stories: Profiles from 'The New Yorker'," and Hugh Sidey's "Portraits of the Presidents: Power and Personality in the Oval Office." (SG)

Science fiction today provides the best opportunity to introduce ideas that will get students involved.