Relates changing student reaction to George Orwell's "1984" over 20 years of teaching. Finds present high school students' acceptance of Orwell's bleak world vision both a sign of student honesty and a frightening indication of the growing reality of the book. (MM)

Although argument in its ideal form is central to the study of rhetoric, controversy in the real world also needs to be addressed in the classroom. The author reports on his study of the Overton Park expressway controversy, which produced a landmark Supreme Court decision on environmental policy. (PD)

Reminisces about growing up with Freddy, Walter R. Brooks' adventurous pig, and the qualities and values he represents. (HOD)

Discusses the limitations of Youniss's identification of morality with humanism and pluralism (universal developmental endpoints or socially constructed rational ideals), suggesting an alternative approach. (MP)

Examines the rhetorical role of several twentieth century historians who were opinion leaders on behalf of the American way of achieving success: by emulating the earlier qualities of our frontier and founding fathers. Discusses the role of Frederick Turner Jackson, Charles A. Beard, Carl Becker, Allan Nevins, and others. (PD)

Demonstrates how rhetorical criticism can be utilized to clarify the rhetorical nature of interpersonal discourse. Synthesizes the following theories to explain the nature and form of selected portions of taped and transcribed interpersonal dialog: Lloyd Bitzer's situational theory, Ernest Bormann's fantasy theme analysis, and Carroll Arnold's…

A study of English literature offers a knowledge of other minds and, more importantly, a process of "extending sympathy" or imaginative identification. (HOD)

Discusses theories on the nature of irony and applies them to Lynd Ward's Caldecott Medal winning picture book, "The Biggest Bear." Concludes with illustrations of how these theories can be used in teaching ironic stories to third grade students. (HOD)

Explains how to use the novels of Toni Morrison to teach high school students about life and literature. (JL)

Argues that the news media actively promoted presidential debates, sought to establish expectations, and then became active critics. Concludes that presidential skills were seen as more important than message content. Notes that the current format does not enlarge public understanding and suggests a Lincoln-Douglas format in the future. (PD)

To demonstrate that rhetoric can be useful and challenging, a course in rhetorical criticism was designed with a public conference as a major component. This article describes and evaluates the first annual James Madison University Rhetorical Criticism Conference, April 2-3, 1981. (PD)

Describes how social studies teachers can help students to evaluate generalizations made about ethnic and racial groups. Discussed are kinds of questions which can be used to distinguish between ethnic commentary which is perceptive, informative, and contributive to intergroup harmony and that which is shallow, spiteful, and inimical to human…

Surveys research guides and reference materials useful to English scholars. Offers a list of 13 resource materials. (RL)

Argues that the study of "Tess of the D'Urbervilles" will provoke both agreement and disagreement in its premises and its particular judgments, but that the ensuing thought and discussion can constitute an education in novel reading. (HOD)

Suggests recent trends in children's literature have been heavily influenced by the adult reader. (HOD)