Theme and thematic progression (T/TP) is a major aspect of the way that speakers construct their messages in a way which makes them fit smoothly into the unfolding language event. While studies have illustrated the usefulness of observing T/TP to identify English learners' writing difficulties and suggested that T/TP should be included in English…

In a thematic study she calls The Hero's Journey, the author introduces the classical archetype of the hero and the journey of the hero with Homer's "The Odyssey." After all, the wily tactician dreams up the idea for the wooden horse trick, thereby winning the war for the Greeks. He visits hell and, against all odds, makes it back. He defeats the…

Informed by the narrative inquiry approach (Connelly & Clandinin, 1990), this qualitative study examined preservice teachers' narratives to investigate what they think, know, and believe in teaching English learners. Beyond just telling stories, narrative structures and meanings were examined with the goal of gaining insight of the preservice…

Ideas for a thematic unit on the escape from routine; author lists fiction, poetry, and music which contribute to the travel theme. (Author/SP)

Recordings of old radio shows can be used to teach a wide variety of themes. (JH)

Intended for administrators and policy makers, as well as teachers, this digest examines the current state of humanities instruction and the evolving place of humanities in the high school English classroom. The digest first explores differing definitions of the humanities, and discusses reasons for the decline in emphasis on humanities…

Using a single theme for a course in basic writing can be an effective and enjoyable way of teaching and learning. One college that developed such a program saw as the criteria for the course: learning grammar, writing at least eight in-class paragraphs of 300 words each in the quarter, attending the college's writing center and working with a…

This paper discusses the thematic unit as a series of activities including reading, discussions, drama sessions, art workshops, games, writing, and movies, all revolving around a single topic. Students are free to seek and select their own books or stories within the topic and to read at their own pace. The thematic unit also includes a heightened…

All disciplines are potentially useful for fuller interpretation of reality. Interdisciplinary instruction should emphasize cooperation, rather than conflict, among disciplines. Topics can include objects and processes (a horse or a river), events (the fall of Rome or migration), and issues (alcohol, crime, sports, or self and society). (DF)

As the humanities approach to education expands, the high school English chairman can aid his teachers in developing this approach by suggesting useful teaching methods, praising successful teaching techniques, and permitting teachers to pursue independent methods of instruction. One method is an in-depth study of an historical period (such as the…

One of a series of volumes containing units on specific themes designed for use in college freshman English courses, this particular volume considers people and their responsibilities, through the use of recordings, cartoons, satire, modern and ancient drama, modern fiction, and contemporary essays. The sequence is divided into four sections.…

Intended for secondary teachers of English, this bulletin contains teaching techniques and instructional materials for practicing classroom teachers. Contents include "The Real Theme of Aiken's 'Impulse,'" which suggests that the theme of Aiken's short story is that actions have consequences; "Robinson's 'Richard Cory,'" which…

Criticizes a thematic approach to English instruction advocated by J. R. Osgerby Yin English in a College of Education: A New Approach," The Use of English," vol. 21, no. 4 (Summer 1970), pp. 306-16, 321I on the basis that such an approach leads students away from an experience of the literature itself and into the realms of sociology…

Describes a British college of education's thematic approach to English based on a tutorial unit containing 6-8 students. (DD)