Questions assumptions of the New Historicism, a recent development in literary criticism. Suggests some problems that such an essentially political approach engenders. Includes lack of a common bond between author and reader, a universal model of historical change based upon the ideas of Marx and others, and contextualism. Argues that historians…

Presents a dialogue between National Endowment for the Humanities chairman, Lynne V. Cheney, and Modern Language Association president, Catharine R. Stimpson. Presents their views on literary criticism, teaching and research, feminism, the future of the humanities, and the search for enduring values in a pluralistic society. Examines the idea of a…

Rejects the neuronal fatigue, or selective adaptation, hypothesis of young infant habituation. Holds that studies cited by Dannemiller and Banks do not support the inferences of selective adaptation. Rejects the hypothetical neurophysiological mechanism of neuronal fatigue. Proposes that studies do not indicate that young infants' visual cortical…

Reviews critiques of the authors' previous work, and examines the traditional theories regarding open and distance education. The role of educational technology is discussed; the impacts of social, economic, and political changes in a postindustrial world are considered; and distinctions between behaviorists and humanists are examined. (45…

Presents a study of Atlanta, Georgia, teacher's perceptions of the purposes of education and how those perceptions relate to the reform literature of the 1980s. Concludes that teachers generally agree with reformers and differ over educational purpose, as does the reform literature. Reports some effort among teachers to synthesize disparate views.…

Argues that Canagarajah's ethnographic study of a Sri Lankan university classroom is of limited value because of the choice of site, subjects, and textbook. Canagarajah responds by rebutting these criticisms and asserting that his study chose to show local conditions as they existed. (Contains 16 references.) (MDM)

Examines over 500 job rejection letters received by a single English professorial job candidate over a period of 9 years. Analyzes shortcomings and strengths. Offers suggestions for composing these letters. (HB)

Replies to E. A. Hanushek's questioning of the validity of meta-analysis as used by the authors in analyzing resource allocation and its effects on improving student academic performance. Statistical analysis procedures are examined. (GLR)

Responds to an earlier article that discussed school restructuring as it related to a book by this author. Topics addressed include hyperlearning; virtual reality; experience as separate from technology; and just-in-time learning. (LRW)

Discusses the concepts of "American" and "unAmerican" in terms of national literature of the United States. Provides a critique of the way the literary canon of America is constructed and taught. Describes as treasonous and "unAmerican" much writing by women, as exemplified by the works of literary regionalists in the…

Discusses children's pictures termed "visual manifold narratives" (picture books that develop more than one narrative line by including two or more sets of separate pictures on the page). Discusses some uses of the manifold narrative, the reader's role in constructing meaning, subversion of the linear narrative, the metafictionality of manifold…

Discusses ways that whole-language teachers can address the concerns raised by parents and others about why they do not teach phonics in isolation, drill students on sight words, or expect word-perfect oral reading. Notes that teachers often need to explain and justify their expertise and teaching methods to individuals not familiar with the…

Discusses the teachable qualities of Jane Austen's novel "Pride and Prejudice." Examines the vigorous diction, plausible characterization, and comic vision that make the novel so effective in stimulating students' thought. (SR)

Examines teaching women's literature to students who are not habitual readers. Explains that two teachers addressed the problem by dividing class time into (1) an introductory minilecture; (2) an "initial reaction" discussion; (3) student oral performances; and (4) a final, synthesizing debate. Suggests means of moving students beyond…

Examines postmodernist art and its impact on architecture and visual art in the United States. States that this genre of art has affected dramatically object art, such as furniture design. Contends that postmodernism can be traced through societal and personal histories. (CFR)