In Appleman's first chapter he justifies several reasons to use literary theory in the classroom with support of various scholars. I found much of what he said to be interesting and persuasive when it comes to literary theory. One thing in particular that I found most suprising was the statistic on English teachers being knowledgeable of literary theory. "72% of the high school literature teachers he surveyed in schools that had a reputation for excellence 'reported little or no familiaritiy with contemporary literary theory'". This I find quite shocking, although I do not recall a time before college that I came across a discussion on any literary theories throughout high school. I do not find myself near an expert in literary theories; however, I think it is wise for me to be aware of these theories in order to incorporate them into my lesson planning.
I also found the three basic textual skills to be agreeable. These being reading, interpretation, and criticism. I find reading and interpretation to be the most important, not to say criticism is not. When I began taking my literature courses here at WMU, I was shocked to experience the formatting of an average English classroom. Thinking analytically? What is that? Not summarizing what I've read in papers? That's all I know how to do. My point being that if I was taken through high school with the practice of interpreting literary texts analytically, I would not have only been more prepared for my English major, but I think it helps every individual's overall intellect regardless of their major and lifelong goals.
What made Appleman most persuasive in my eyes when it comes to literary theory is when he discusses its teaching purpose. "...to encourage adolescents to inhabit theories comfortably enough to construct their own readings and to learn to appreciate the power of multiple perspectives" (Appleman, 9). If part of goal as English teachers is to teach literary theories, then we must make sure we motivate our students and guide them into understanding the importance of multiple perspectives and providing enough guidance along the way.
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I agree with you on the three textual skills being important, and that reading and interpretation are the most important, but then i have to question myself a lot when i say that. I do that because i almost feel that is what we are forced to accept, and just so trained to do with a book. At least in my high school, we were not really allowed to criticize a book, and not totally agree with the author, or especially what my teacher was explaining the meaning of the book to be.
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