Focuses on the debate about the role of literature in the freshman composition course. Argues that literary works are suitable for these courses because they hold multiple points of view and are by nature multidisciplinary. (HB)

Focuses on the debate regarding the use of literary texts in freshman composition courses. Questions the assumptions embedded in the framing of the debate itself. Asserts the blurring of genre lines. Proposes a way to reframe the debate in more fruitful terms. (HB)

Describes several methods by which practicing English teachers enhance the instruction of literary terms in the classroom. Focuses on the actual methods used in an English class, including "theme seeds" and the fostering of metaphoric thinking. (HB)

Provides findings from a survey of English departments and the move from literature-based majors toward more majors in composition and rhetoric. Reveals substantial changes in English programs from 1987 through fall of 1992, confirming the growth of concentrations and course offerings in composition and rhetoric. (HB)

Describes the problems inherent in finding competent leadership for today's college English departments. Outlines the basic kinds of traits and characteristics that would mark both ideal leaders and followers in the academy. Discusses the different kinds of leaders. (HB)

Details the experiences of a beginning English teacher and her mentor. Describes how the first-year teacher made the transition from college student to practicing professional. (HB)

Provides advice from 15 veteran English teachers for smoothing the transitional period of beginning teachers. (HB)

Considers the profit of caring for writing students and helping them believe in the value of the materials they produce. Provides experiential evidence of the influence of one teacher's attempt to care ethically for his students. (HB)

Analyzes literature curricula and the canon represented in literature anthologies. Discusses the embedded power structure, the role of genre, women fiction writers, the role of "people of color" in the textbook canon, and the absence of dissenting voices. Concludes that the textbook canon does not affirm differences of opinion and of…

The literature seminar format meets the needs of gifted students for intellectual challenges, complex curricular experiences, creative research and writing activities, and stimulating interactions. Three seminars conducted in the English curriculum at a special school for gifted students are described: "Dickens and the Industrial…

Details the concept of "breaking the rules" in the context of a high school English classroom. Describes how one English teacher abandoned regular reading materials to concentrate on Judy Blume's novel, "Forever." Considers the pros and cons of using this controversial text in high schools. (HB)

Describes the activities in a high school English class aimed at bringing attention through the media to a local political issue. Outlines how teachers can initiate students into acts of social and political activism by writing letters. Narrates how one teacher got students directly involved with a local sewage-treatment problem. Includes an…

Describes the way one English teacher designed a course by creating discourse community and thereby producing a group publication for a specific audience. Shows the steps by which a large group produced and revised copy for the publication. Argues for the efficacy of such courses. (HB)

Describes a method utilizing student-teacher memos that helps students to be more aware of their purposes and audiences for their writing. Delineates the procedures by which one teacher instituted communication with students through the use of such memos, thereby improving student writing. (HB)

Suggests that improvising scenes and developing fictional personas can help students to engage as active learners in their study of literary works. Presents examples of how such activities can be carried out in the classroom. Argues for the use of improvisation in the English classroom. (HB)