This paper presents an argument for aesthetic knowledge in the arts and more specifically, for an aesthetic model of literature to be central in the curriculum. I argue that there are important distinctions to be made between the everyday experiences unique to us as individuals, and the universality of human experience. In the English Literature…

A revised and expanded version of an earlier study of modern British children's literature (1952), this latest edition begins with an introductory section on the historical development of children's literature and follows with chapters examining the main trends in British children's books from 1900 to the present day. Special attention is given to…

Discusses notions of what actually constitutes reading, relating this to the National Curriculum in England and Wales, and to C. King's children's book from 1963, "Stig of the Dump." Considers the broader implications for the value that society places upon the reading process as part of young children's education. (SR)

Outlines the principle teaching methodologies to come out of Great Britain in the last 15 years and their recommendations for teaching literature. Although six different approaches are described, all place emphasis on the importance of linguistics as a tool in appreciating and gaining an in-depth understanding of literature. (LET)

This book is intended as a comprehensive and systematic guide to the literary topography of England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. Events in the lives of approximately 350 writers and poets are discussed in connection with the geographic areas where the events occurred. Information about literary houses, libraries, museums with literary records,…

This book draws attention to the issue of access to literature and highlights some of its complex aspects--physical, psychological, educational, and economic--to discover ways of increasing that access. Focusing on what the barriers between people and literature are and on how they may be removed, the book uses interviews to investigate the…

The use of works by T. S. Eliot, James Joyce, and Shakespeare in interactive and experiential sessions with pupils with severe disabilities are described. A case study in assessment is provided by evaluating responses of one adolescent and showing how a Shakespeare workshop enabled her to become an active learner. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)

This study investigated how literary elites in three different cultures interpreted a group of novels written by George Lamming, a writer from the Caribbean area whose novels were read, discussed, and interpreted over a span of 20 years beginning in the 1950s. Concludes that cultural differences influenced the readers' interpretations. (JDH)

Presents the students' evaluation of a course in literature designed to prepare students for the Certificate of Secondary Education. (RB)

Reports on a survey that asked 500 students what the word "literature" meant to them. Concludes that the variety of answers indicate that English teachers need to be clearer about what they believe literature is and that only then can they clarify the objectives of a literary education. (JAD)

L2'' designates second language study. Classifies motives for language study in Great Britain as literary, social, and commercial; suggests that the emphasis on each falls into distinct historical periods. (DS)

Offers three reasons that justify the inclusion of the book "Overkill" on the British "O" level literature syllabus: (1) the nuclear bomb is the most important invention of the century, (2) the language provides a clear example of scientific writing and talking, and (3) the book is informative in helping students arrive at a…

Presents the results of a survey on the reading habits of elementary and secondary school students in Britain and analyzes the reading materials according to category and age level. (RB)

Discusses the foreign language program of the British educational system and the problems that arise when a teacher wants to use innovative teaching techniques while at the same time preparing students for the traditional language and literature A level examinations. Suggests ways in which the problem can be resolved. (SED)

Discusses the potential uses of literature with people with severe and profound learning disabilities and describes a series of multisensory interactive drama games re-telling the story of "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens. (Author/DB)