Describes the author's method of teaching literary analysis to "not particularly well-read students." Presents students with a set of over-generalizations which they are free to denounce, vilify, or modify as their exposure to literature progresses. Includes a class handout that describes characteristics of various literary movements in this…

Proposes that women assert their power by using the World Wide Web to influence the political arena; supporting one another's careers; celebrating women's accomplishments; and sabotaging misogynist language and stereotypes. Focuses on a pervasive rhetoric of resistance in which many sites co-opt a longstanding anti-female trope and redefine it as…

Discusses the treatment of historical events within Hollywood (California) films. Addresses the idea of verisimilitude, or the true replication of history in all aspects. Examines films such as: "Pearl Harbor,""Park Row,""Verboten!,""October Sky," and "Thirteen Days," to demonstrate how films portray history. (CMK)

Maintains that, when students interpret a poem differently from their teachers, an opportunity opens for a common ground of understanding that can enrich the relationship between text and reader. (RS)

Explores the complex language decisions reflected in the written ethical code of the Dana Corporation, an Ohio manufacturing firm. Suggests that such codes aim to be both inclusive of the readership and reflective of corporate goals. Uses linguistic substitution to highlight some rhetorical decisions that code composers need to negotiate. (SG)

Discusses difficulties technical writers and readers have concerning proposals that define problems and suggest innovation. Suggests that when writers recognize both their own and readers' assumptions about such problems, they can adopt techniques to gain reader concurrence. (KEH)

Examines the clash between the sanctuary movement and United States government regarding the admission to the United States of Central American refugees. Shows through an application of Kenneth Burke's dramatistic approach how different "scenes" operating for the two sides motivate opposing rhetorical agencies. Analyzes those agencies…

Describes a "Shakespeare Coursework Unit" in which Shakespearean and other literary works of the Tudor era were analyzed for evidence of the gender biases prevalent in that period. Notes that by the end of the course, students accepted the assertion that textual analysis is never truly completed. (SG)

The geographical, cultural, and linguistic diversity of the Philippines has strongly influenced the construction of self in Filipino literature. Filipino writers must formulate the fictional self in the midst of a tussle between the language of reality and the language of writing that is exacerbated by the country's colonial heritage. (JL)

Applies the concepts of persuasive definition, ideograph, and ideological history in an analysis of Arthur Schlesinger, Jr.'s, discourse. Uses this analysis to enhance understanding of how the strategic definition of terms such as "liberal" can influence the ongoing struggle to set presumptions in American political life. (SR)

Responds to an article concerned with teaching foreign language literature as a means of second language instruction. It is argued that it is better and linguistically wiser to use time spent on literary appreciation to strengthen and promote "real" language work. (CB)

Factors that influence teachers' general avoidance of incorporating literary studies in second language instruction include fundamental misconceptions about what constitutes literature; teachers' own lack of reading; over-reliance on a "materials" approach to language teaching; demanding aspects of teaching about literature; and lack of teacher…

Descriptions and evaluations of selected books about the Vietnam War are presented in three broad categories: anthologies and collections, books describing a specific aspect of or group involved in the war, and books about problems faced by returning veterans. (34 references) (CLB)

Favorably reviews six reference works: (1) Klein's encyclopedia; (2) Ancient America atlas, Coe and colleagues; (3) Littlefield and Parins' analysis of America Indian newspaper publishing; (4) Kutsch's guide to Cherokee documents; (5) Malval's guide to Hampton Institute archives; and (6) Clements' guide to Indian folklore in nineteenth century…

An approach to French literature appreciation uses two versions of a de Maupassant story. The approach provided students an opportunity to examine text structure and language usage, explore the process of revision, and compare the first and second versions of the author's efforts. (MSE)