Based on Mary Shelley's novel "Frankenstein," this lesson plan presents activities designed to help students understand that active readers interpret a novel (its characters, plot, setting, and theme) in different ways; and the great literature can be and has been adapted in many ways over time. The main activity of the lesson involves students…

The social, cultural, and historical documents and commentary in this casebook illuminate the reading of "The Catcher in the Rye," a novel that has become an important rite of passage for many young adults. In addition to a literary analysis, the casebook acquaints students with the larger world in which Holden Caulfield, the…

This casebook of materials about William Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar" will enrich students' understanding of the historical context of the play and encourage interpretations of its cultural meaning. Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar" reflects perennial cultural concerns about order and freedom, particularly as they clash in the…

This guide is intended to be a tool to help educators and curriculum developers create curricula that reflect a comprehensive approach to learning and teaching in and through art. The guide is linked directly to the National Standards for Arts Education. The guide has several components, including: (1) 18 ability areas in art based on the four art…

Reports a study undertaken to analyze the ways in which the primary school experience is portrayed in stories for American children between the ages of three and seven, focusing on the roles of minority group members in the stories. (Author/JM)

Describes Latin American novelists as portraying the continent as torn by revolution and inflation, by anger and mounting expectations. Instead of denying the fictional qualities of this vision, the novelists transform this linguistic reality into the narrative itself. Only through fiction can the hidden realities of Latin American emerge. (DS)

Walter D. Edmunds created convincing characters of the Iroquois without pretending to know them. Carl Carmer was less interested in digging for the truth about Indians than in writing a story. Edmund Wilson perceived the Iroquois world view intuitively in his writing, overcoming any obstacle to get at the truth. (Author/LC)

The author suggests that the complex educational problems touched on by the television special "Is Anyone Out There Learning?" can only be solved by leadership at the building level. This entire journal issue consists of comments on this CBS news special, aired in August, 1978. (SJL)

Discusses the processes, objectives, and hoped-for results of a series of film workshops. The following topics are addressed: (1) the production of short films by the group, (2) facilitation of a film club, and (3) film analysis. The contribution made by the workshops to personal development and intercultural relationships is discussed. (AMH)

A partial report of research on high school student response to literature, using Alan Purves's categories of engagement, perception, interpretation, evaluation, and miscellaneous. (RL)

Discusses the coercive controls imposed upon Blacks during slavery, including regimenting their lives, restricting their learning experiences, limiting their opportunities to communicate, and prescribing demeaning role behavior. Rhetorical strategies employed by Blacks included a defensive posture of accommodation and a more aggressive behavior of…

Considers the issues policymakers must confront if they intend to use technology as a means of raising educational quality in America's schools. Explores competing investment priorities and the necessary alterations in pedagogy, classroom management, and the role of the teacher. (GR)

Investigates the representation of German women in the German media during the allied occupation. Initially vilified as fraternizers, they soon became portrayed as the stoic rebuilders of nation and family as the country moved toward reconstruction. Considers the complex, symbiotic relationships among social memory, popular culture, and historical…

Argues how the case against affirmative action heavily rests on myth and misunderstanding. It discusses 10 of the most common myths and presents public opinion poll data suggesting that support for affirmative action is greater than typically assumed. (GR)