Describes a one-quarter seminar course in modern physics through science fiction. Presents the course format, subject matter, reading assignments, writing assignments, and student response. (GS)

Illustrates analysis of fiction as a method applicable to family investigation intraculturally and crossculturally. Content analysis of Gujarati social novels published over extended periods demonstrates deeper understanding and broader insight into the historical context of the Hindu family system in Gujarat. Limitations are discussed.…

Presents activities dealing with components of literature, literary devices, and persuasive material. (DD)

A science fiction story humorously relates the discovery of human computational abilities in an age when computers are believed to be the only means of solving number problems. (AV)

Profiles Gloria Skurzynski, author of more than two dozen books for children and young adults. Outlines her career and discusses some of her books: novels, mysteries, science fiction, and nonfiction. Provides an annotated bibliography of seven of her books and suggests class activities in survival, research, language arts, interviewing, science,…

Cites 99 recently published fiction, folklore, and nonfiction books for 3- to 8-year olds that illustrate a broad interpretation of multiculturalism and include positive and accurate portrayals of various ethnic or religious groups. A brief synopsis is given for each book, along with publication information. (KB)

Explains that plot and structure, character, setting, point of view, style and language, symbol, and theme are the building blocks of fiction. Contends that these elements of literature provide readers with the tools they need for navigating difficult texts. Concludes that when teachers determine that a novel's setting is too foreign or the point…

Presents an interview with Greg Bear and David Brin, two science fiction writers who started Reading for the Future, an international project geared toward secondary school students that shows teachers and librarians how science fiction inspires young readers. Discusses programs that have come out of this group; standards for books geared toward…

Reflects on the idea of a story and what makes it alluring and engaging to a child in contradistinction with a moral tale or story with a preachy lesson. (TB)

Provides writing exercises which encourage the use of sense details to let the reader know what is in the writer's mind. Provides writing exercises for setting a mood, describing places in fiction, adding metaphors, and describing people. (MG)

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)

A four-stage teaching model that encourages students to use fiction as a source of mental imagery and insight into social work issues is presented. Teachers can use the stages flexibly for different courses and levels of student expertise. (Author/MSE)

Investigates how readers use textual cohesion during reading by using a selective deletion procedure. Finds that good readers are able to maintain the global unity of text better than poor readers and that both groups find it easier to perceive cohesion in fiction than in non-fiction. (RS)

Describes a discussion between Cleanth Brooks and Eudora Welty about the state of the story in today's fiction. Characterizes the narrative form as the spine of literature. Points out that, too often, contemporary writers neglect this form of writing and instead emphasize a type of prose poetry. Notes that authors today overemphasize the present…

Documents the views of 512 adults, aged 18 to 50 years, on the island of Barbados concerning "The Cosby Show." It examines perceptions of this show as a "black" program, as one about the "modern family," and the extent to which the values, attitudes, and behaviors the show promotes are relevant or appropriate for a…