Outlines an innovative American Studies program in an Alabama high school. (MD)

Compares and contrasts two adolescent novels, S. E. Hinton's "The Outsiders," and B. Ellis' recent "Less than Zero." Argues for the social relevance and educational worth of both novels, showing that they raise moral and social issues teens need to think about and are already confronting. (JG)

Provides a list of 118 reasons why the author's students claim they study American literature, including: (1) to broaden their vocabulary, (2) to learn from other people's experiences, and (3) to develop an open mind about different kinds of literature. (JD)

Explains an approach to teaching American literature that begins by using regional materials to interest students in reading and then expands to include classical works. (EL)

The novels of Robert Lipsyte are excellent for use in a middle school or secondary school classroom. His 1967 classic, "The Contender," and its sequel, "The Brave," are both strong on characterization, plot, and theme. Focusing on "The Contender," students can explore contending characters, forces, and themes. Related…

In order to help students grasp Henry David Thoreau's concepts more easily, his writing can be divided into four main themes: simplicity, love of nature, following one's dreams, and following one's conscience. Once students have a general understanding of Thoreau's ideas, they can engage in many activities to express that understanding: write…

Focusing on critics' analyses as well as the author's literary techniques, this annotated bibliography is designed to aid teachers in presenting an in-depth study of John Knowles'"A Separate Peace." Critical annotations are provided for three categories of citations: (1) English-language literary journal articles (17 annotations); (2)…

Broadly speaking, all poetry is "found" somewhere, in something which inspires a writer to want to develop his or her thoughts in verse. However, inspiration is sometimes lacking for both experienced poets and new ones, such as students who are required to write poetry for a class. "Found poetry" can serve as an antidote to an experienced poet's…

Examines the fiction of Zane Grey and its appeal to high school students. (RL)

Recounts how and why Arthur Miller's play "The Crucible" works as an introduction to colonial United States literature for high school students. (RL)

Describes one approach to teaching an American literature survey course that focuses attention on authors' responses to business. (HOD)

The strength of collaborative learning is in involving students in intellectual problem solving. In a college-level U.S. literature course at East Stroudsburg University (Pennsylvania), traditional lecture and Socratic questioning establishes background; and collaborative learning is used to help students examine the central questions about the…

The use of student projects as teaching-learning activities is discussed. Numerous projects, the work of college students enrolled in American literature, journalism, and composition classes are described. The motivational value of projects is seen as an important aspect of this approach. (JMD)

In this middle school social studies and literature lesson plan, pictures from "America from the Great Depression to World War II" in the American Memory collection provide visual images to introduce and spark curiosity about "Jacob Have I Loved" by Katherine Paterson, a novel about jealousy set on an island in the Chesapeake…