Gholam Hussein Sa'edi is one of the greatest Iranian writers of short stories in the present era. Sa'edi's stories are based on the existence of fanciful and dreamlike settings in which he attempts to establish the endings of the stories to be the direct result of the characters' psychological reaction against their dreams. The linguistic and…

The goals of higher education often entail the development of students' character. Rarely, however, are these character development goals connected to the unique design and delivery of distance education programs. Additionally, the research literature that explores the character development aspects of distance education is sparse. Thus the purpose…

Argues that students of all ages respond to the mystery, possibility, and adventure of science fiction and fantasy and should not be discouraged from reading in these genres under the pretense that they are "less grown up" than more "realistic" genres. Reviews a number of good science fiction books published from 1994-95. (TB)

Sixty-two books and anthologies, with publishers and brief annotations. (AA)

Seventy-two recently published critical studies and reference works related to fantasy literature, with bibliographical information and brief annotations. (AA)

Cites Bruno Bettelheim and Patrick Merla in defending the theory that the simple plots found in fantasy reinforce good and reaffirm our beliefs in humanity's perfectability. (DD)

Discusses the creation and popularity of Beatrix Potter's "Peter Rabbit." Concludes that today, Potter's quiet stories offer young children a glimpse into the naughtiness that innocence fosters within the security of a family's love, and show children an idyllic time when towns were small enough that friends knew each other well and…

Uses summaries and excerpts from ERIC documents to define fantasy, examine its attraction for children, and describe how fantasy may be selected and used in the elementary school classroom. (DD)

Defense of fantasy as part of the regular English curriculum. (AA)

Presents a brief discussion of critical topics addressed in fantasy literature that can help build a foundation for bringing this well-loved genre into the classroom in a meaningful way. Considers fantasy literature's mythic structures and heroic cycles, and religious commentary. Discusses history in fantasy, gender roles, and social commentary of…

Discusses nine books (fiction, nonfiction, and poetry) for children that center on bats. Focuses on one book ("Silverwing") as an example of the animal fantasy genre, which can tell the adventures of a particular animal, impart environmental knowledge and concerns, and include intriguing, solid facts about the animal in question. Offers…

There is a wealth of material in the oral tradition of fantasy which can be used in creating gripping fiction for young readers. One way of employing a tale from the oral tradition to produce a modern fantasy is to superimpose the old story on a new one in such a way that it is tightly interwoven in the action and meaning of the new story. This…

Defends fantasy fiction as an important literary study. (AA)

Describes how children's poetry is becoming part of the poetic mainstream. Discusses the poetry of Robert Heidbreder, Dennis Lee, Lois Simmie, Raymond Souster, and sean o huigin.