Traces the development of studies of writing related to teaching and learning that have appeared in "Research in the Teaching of English" (RTE) between 1966 and 1986. Finds that RTE has served to both maintain the dominant paradigm and act as a forum for calls to pursue other research approaches. (JAD)

Examines effects of issue obtrusiveness on network news agenda-setting. Tests two competing models: (1) obtrusive contingency (agenda-setting effects decrease as personal experience with issues increase); and (2) cognitive-priming contingency (agenda-setting effects increase as obtrusiveness increases). Finds no support for obtrusive contingency…

Describes the emotion of nostalgia and the strategies and functions of nostalgic rhetorical appeals in order to analyze Edward Kennedy's major policy address during the 1980 Democratic national convention. Suggests that Kennedy used nostalgic appeals to serve therapeutic and deliberative functions. (KEH)

Argues that the Public Broadcasting Service's science series "NOVA" dramatizes science for an elite audience. Notes that a variety of devices are used to maintain dramatic tension and to define the scientist as a special type of person. Argues that the failure of "NOVA" to demystify science has ideological significance. (RS)

Argues that the United States government suppressed Frank Capra's 1944 documentary, "The Battle of China," because it lacked the visual framework of arguments evidenced by the other films in Capra's "Why We Fight" series. Investigates Capra's portrayal of fundamental American values through the visual contrast techniques of…

Presents a history of the development of CANAL, a consortium of colleges, universities, and public corporations in Quebec that was formed to distribute televised courses for distance education of adult learners. The marketing of distance education courses is discussed, and audiences, consisting of students and the general public, are examined.…

Analyzes the alternative media and their reporting up to the February 1986 revolution in the Philippines. Shows that they broadened the context in which key events could be interpreted, and influenced those segments of the audience that provided new leadership. (MS)

Examines materials designed to improve children's writing or composition abilities. Focuses on whether the materials have students use the task/strategy/skill in such a way that they can transfer the task to other materials in reading or writing situations that serve a real function. (MG)

Examines definite constructions in 15 editorial articles from the "Christian Science Monitor." Classifies each construction as either re-evoking, new, or inferable. Argues that inferable constructions are most interesting since they indicate what the writer believes the reader is capable of inferring. Concludes that such conventions make…

Describes a study that examined the coverage of African American reference books in reference book reviewing media. Topics addressed include review recommendation statements; content analysis of reviews; review selection criteria; use of audience as a constraint on review evaluations or to exclude reviews; and review editors. (Contains eight…

Two contemporary films, "Braveheart" and "Rob Roy," depict Scottish ethnicity from a rather narrow perspective. The positions that are sentimentally admired when attributed to white natives of Scotland are horrifying when expressed by contemporary peoples of color. These films raise interesting questions about the true nature…

Notes that the move from writing privately to writing professionally can be daunting. Suggests that various kinds of sharing, group interaction, and feedback from colleagues can ease the transition from private to public writing. (SR)

Advocates asking business communications students to compose entries into role-playing journals as a means of practicing the concepts of audience analysis and appropriateness of language to speaker and context. Describes the assignment, the way it can be analyzed, and the benefits of the approach. (HB)

Discusses how a high school English teacher expanded the audiences for her students' writing by developing an advanced senior writing seminar and using portfolios, peer evaluation, and parent participation. Notes that a community formed and was held together by mutual respect. (RS)

This paper discusses the use of bibliotherapy with gifted students and introduces "cinematherapy," the use of movies to help students explore important issues in their lives. Plot summaries, post-viewing discussion questions, and questions relating movies to gifted students' lives are presented for "Stand and Deliver" and "Wargames." A list of…