Living Literature introduces students to the seminal literary texts that shaped Western culture and transcend time and place. Students are challenged to think critically and creatively about cultural traditions and to assess how they fit as individuals within these traditions. The course is taught by Jeffrey Lynch, Ph.D. and Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Humanities at Eastern Illinois University.
Subjects: Contemporary
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Read and Rap
Read & Rap invites you to explore the scope of literature targeted at students of middle and high school age. The course provides in-depth examination of criteria critical to selecting the right literature for the right audience. These criteria help teachers guide the selection process to achieve increased student interest and involvement, suitability by reading level, excellence in evaluation protocol, fairness toward special interests (historical, cultural, political, etc.), Thematic unit support, Understanding of the interrelatedness of reading, writing, speaking, listening, viewing and thinking. Read & Rap relates best-practice strategies for selecting literature for the middle and high school classrooms. Dr. Rashidah J. Muhammad of Governor State University conducts discussions with a live in-studio audience to define the ideas and philosophies present in a variety of literary genres.
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Contemporary Native American Authors
This course adds a novel dimension to multicultural, diversity, and literature curricula. Video classes are hosted by Dr. Jacquelyn Kilpatrick of Governors State University, and feature interactive discussion between students and major contemporary Native American authors. These authors provide insights to their fiction and poetry, and explain the impact of Native American philosophy, culture, and concerns on their work. Common discussion themes include the context in which the writers practice their craft and what it means to be a Native American author.
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canada for children
In March of 2004 McGill University’s Institute for the Study of Canada organized a two-day symposium on Richler, his legacy, and his impact on Canadian literature and culture. Join academics and actors, publishers and provocateurs from across North America for this four part series as they engage in lively debate about Richler’s books, his satire, and his always controversial political commentary.
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Literature Circles: Fiction in the Young Adult Classroom
Explores Literature Circles as a student-centered alternative to traditional literature teaching. The Studio Class fleshes out the rules for setting up an effective Literature Circle. Sample “Role Sheets” for Literary Circle participants are provided in the Study Guide, and the standard rules for conducting such a group are defined and explained. Authors Lowis Lowry, Paul Zindel, Judy Blume and Walter Dean Myers tell teachers how to use their books in Language Arts classes.
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Using Romance Novels
Examines the pros and cons of using Romance literature in the classroom. The Studio Class discusses the dangers inherent in using Romance novels in the classroom, but also puts forth some rationales for possibly including them. Viewers discover inventive ways to use this genre to confront gender stereotypes, to broach social issues, or to interject interesting historical detail.
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Quest – Coming-of-Age Novels
Examines the psychological and sociological impact of Coming-of-Age novels. The Studio Class discover how the “Role Sheets” introduced in Class 13 can help students develop “multiple cognitive perspectives” of literary texts. The roles of “Discussion Director” and “Connector” are identified as critical in discussions of this genre. A videotaped Readers’ Theater presentation of “Are You Alone on Purpose?” is offered for discussion.
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Science Fiction and Fantasy Novels
Examines the creative uses of Sci-Fi literature. The Studio Class discusses the unique challenges to the status quo posed by Science Fiction and Fantasy novels. Discussion touches upon the general rules by which good science fiction abides and the valuable lessons it can teach.
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Mystery and Horror Novels
Evaluates the appeal and content of this genre. The lesson looks at Horror and Mystery novels as a non-video game pursuit that is especially intriguing to boys. The key features of this genre discussed by the Studio Class include the timeless theme of good vs. evil, the appeal of a puzzle that needs solving, the emphasis on brain power over force, and the traditionally savvy nature of the protagonist.
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Adventure and Sports Novels
Defines criteria for evaluating Adventure and Sports-oriented novels. The Studio Class discusses the features of Adventure novels that make or break their usefulness in class. The five common elements of Sports novels are detailed. Videotaped inserts include two different Readers’ Theater presentations and an interview in which Walter Dean Myers shares his ideas on the writing process.