English Journal, Vol. 88, No. 4, March 1999

Table of Contents

Issue Theme: Humor in the English Class

• The Straw Man Meets His Match: Six Arguments for Studying Humor in English Classes

  Alleen Pace Nilsen and Don L. F. Nilsen

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  Abstract: Counters six arguments against humor in English classes. Presents arguments in support of studying humor in English classes, noting its usefulness and benefits.

  Keywords: Secondary, Pedagogy

• Aristophanes Would Laugh

  Anthony Backes

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  Abstract: Argues that lists of great books ought to reflect both the comic and tragic sides. Discusses problems of censorship and of translation when presenting comic works to classrooms full of teenagers. Describes how the author approaches the teaching of Aristophanes' "Lysistrata," offering students a bowdlerized text and inviting them to improve it.

  Keywords: Secondary, Literature, School-Community Relation

• Why Is George So Funny? Television Comedy, Trickster Heroism, and Cultural Studies

  Barbra S. Morris

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  Abstract: Describes how the author uses the character George from the television comedy "Seinfeld" to offer her students a challenging inquiry into cultural studies in relation to television character analysis. Describes how the author uses a particular episode to discuss the relation between George's workplace travails and broader issues of cultural disillusion.

  Keywords: Secondary, Pedagogy

• Laugh and Learn: Using Humor to Teach Tragedy

  Colleen A. Ruggieri

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  Abstract: Describes how one high school English teacher used humor when teaching Shakespearean tragedy. Describes how this improved students' attitudes and appreciation of the tragedies, helped them appreciate literature devices in the plays, and helped them review prior to their exam.

  Keywords: Secondary, Literature

• The Prufrock Makeover

  Derek Soles

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  Abstract: Describes how high school students can give J. Alfred Prufrock (from T.S. Eliot's serious poem "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock") a "makeover" so he can acquire more self-confidence. Shows how this makeover exercise can lead students to a deeper general understanding and appreciation of complex literary characters and of a poem, story, or play.

  Keywords: Secondary, Literature

• Cruel and Unusual PUNishment (LOW Humor Is Better Than NO Humor)

  Tom Tatum

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  Abstract: Describes how one high school English teacher uses puns on a regular basis to augment his vocabulary reviews. Argues that doing so aids in developing students' vocabulary, since it compels students to pay closer attention and gives many students a chance to display their creative-thinking skills.

  Keywords: Secondary, Pedagogy

• The Five Humors

  William Boerman-Cornell

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  Abstract: Compares the effects of different types of humor in the classroom: humor drawn from literature, humor at the expense of literature, humor that puts someone down, humor that builds up or shapes identity, and humor as a classroom-management tool. Shows how teachers can use laughter as a conduit for students to find humor in what they read and write.

  Keywords: Secondary, Literature

• Making English Classrooms Happier Places to Learn

  Lynn Langer Meeks

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  Abstract: Lynn Langer Meeks describes her use of Brian Cambourne’s theory of literacy learning—immersion, demonstration, expectations, responsibility, approximations, employment, response, and engagement—as a way to make it more likely for her students to learn.

  Keywords: Secondary, Literacy, Pedagogy

• Standards Revisited: The Importance of Being There

  Peter Smagorinsky

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  Abstract: Argues that the IRA/NCTE Standards should provide a starting point for both local and national discussions of what it means to have standards, what effects standards can have, and how to go about developing them. Offers a set of questions that teachers might consider regarding what their own standards might be.

  Keywords: Secondary, Standards

• "Move Over, Please": The Decentralization of the Teacher in the Conputer-Based Classroom

  Catherine A. Civello

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  Abstract: Argues that computer technology has decentered high school English teachers. Describes a private high school with full computer access for every student; addresses issues this raises in the English department; describes three cyber activities used in the author's American literature classroom; and discusses the advantages of this decentralization.

  Keywords: Secondary, Literature, Technology

• A Gallery of Visual Responses: Artwork in the Literature Classroom

  Stacey L. Eisenkraft

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  Abstract: Describes how a middle school English/language arts teacher had students paint in watercolors their responses to the novel the class was reading. Describes how this approach signficantly improved the rate and quality of student participation, and brought out new voices and fresh readings of the text.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary, Literature, Pedagogy

• Insights for Interns

  Anthony Backes

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  Abstract: Offers (from the perspective of a first-year teacher) five guidelines to student teachers to help make their student teaching semester more useful and enjoyable. Includes a response from a veteran English teacher.

  Keywords: Secondary

• Teacher to Teacher: What Picture Books Do You Recommend for Use in the English Language Arts Classroom?

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  Abstract: Presents 10 short articles written by high school and middle school teachers about specific picture books they recommend and how they use them in their classrooms. Concludes with an extensive list of picture books containing examples of specific literary devices.

  Keywords: Secondary

• International English

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  Abstract: Offers a brief description of the Third International Conference for Global Conversations on Language and Literacy, held in Bordeaux, France, in August 1998. Gives brief summaries of five conference presentations or sessions.

  Keywords: Secondary

• Young Adult Literature: English Teachers Are From Mars, Students Are From Venus (But YA Books Can Help Interplanetary Understanding)

  Chris Crowe, editor

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  Abstract: Discusses how alien students and teachers are to each other, especially when it comes to literature. Argues that these differences are at the root of many difficulties faced in helping students become readers and appreciate literature. Offers brief descriptions of 10 new or overlooked young-adult books worth reading.

  Keywords: Secondary

• Are We Having Fun Yet? Humor in the English Class

  Maureen McMahon

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  Abstract: Argues that humor is an invaluable teaching tool in English classes. Describes how the author and her students: found humor an important means of discovering profound truths in Shakespeare's dramas; enjoyed the epic "Paradise Lost"; worked with satire in Chaucer; and used humor in students' own creative activities.

  Keywords: Secondary

• Letters to EJ

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  Abstract: Available in print version only.

  Keywords: Secondary

• From the Editor

  Virginia R. Monseau

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  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Secondary

• Speaking My Mind: On Humor

  Jeff Davis

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  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Secondary

• CROSS CONVERSATIONS: How Do We Encourage Teachers to Take a More Active Role in Charting the Course of Educational Reform?

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  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Secondary

• FOR FUN: Song Bytes

  Stephen Sniderman

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  Abstract: Available in print version only.

  Keywords: Secondary

• ENGLISH IN THE NEWS

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  Abstract: Available in print version only.

  Keywords: Secondary

• POETRY

  William Greenway, Editor

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  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Secondary

• Professional Links

  Louann Reid, editor

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  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Secondary

• Talk About Books

  John Manear, editor

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  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Secondary

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