English Journal, Vol. 92, No. 1, September 2002

Table of Contents

Issue Theme: Shakespeare for a New Age

• "The Villainy You Teach Me . . .": Shakespeare and AP English Literature

  Mary Janell Metzger

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  Abstract: Considers that if there is one writer who may appear in successive years on the AP (Advanced Placement) literature exam, it is Shakespeare. Sets out to discover something about what the connection between drives for accountability, the growing popularity of the AP English class, and the teaching of Shakespeare means for students at the high school level.

  Keywords: Literature, Pedagogy, Secondary, College

• A Tempest Project: Shakespeare and Critical Conflicts

  Thomas M. McCann and Joseph M. Flanagan

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  Abstract: Describes a 4-week unit of study that focuses on Shakespeare's "The Tempest," a text that has been especially controversial in today's climate of increased multicultural awareness. Involves students in a larger conversation about the possibilities for reading and interpreting literature and prepares them to write mature analyses of the play.

  Keywords: Literacy, Literature, Pedagogy, Secondary

• Shall We Bury Caesar or Praise Him? Ideas for the Revitalization of an Old Standard

  Stacey M. Sklar

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  Abstract: Notes that "Julius Caesar" is required in nearly every high school curriculum, but that making the play accessible to students is not easy. Tries new teaching ideas to see whether students would more readily take to "Julius Caesar" using a more interdisciplinary approach. Describes three of these ideas that were particularly successful.

  Keywords: Literacy, Pedagogy, Secondary

• Tights vs. Tattoos: Filmic Interpretations of Romeo and Juliet

  Jennifer L. Martin

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  Abstract: Suggests students will view film adaptations of Shakespeare plays more critically by carefully analyzing the same scene from several different film versions. Discusses relevant scenes from "Romeo and Juliet" for classroom interpretation. Suggests that by providing students the vocabulary to discuss the film, educators can encourage them to look for detail and to analyze film as they never have before.

  Keywords: Literature, Pedagogy, Secondary, Media Studies / Journalism

• Using Student-Generated Film to Create a Culturally Relevant Community

  Jennifer D. Morrison

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  Abstract: Encourages modification of teaching strategies to facilitate academic achievement among students from diverse groups. Describes how the author collaborated with professionals from the Folger Library's Teaching Shakespeare Institute to develop a better way to teach Shakespeare to her predominantly African-American students. Describes how her students filmed scenes with nontraditional casting. Suggests such activities help students to see themselves in Shakespeare's stories.

• Shakespeare's World: A Quiz with Questions and Answers

  Megan Lynn Isaac

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  Abstract: Presents a brief quiz designed to focus on facts often forgotten or about which misperceptions typically swirl, and to concentrate attention on the lives of children and young adults during the Renaissance. Notes that the answers to the quiz are followed by explanations arranged, like the quiz, in three sections that provide some information about the issues raised.

  Keywords: Literature, Secondary

• Shakespearean Slide Shows

  Rosalind M. Flynn

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  Abstract: Presents a condensed method for involving students in the kind of theatrical problem-solving that transforms a script to a play. Describes how to incorporate a "human slide show" into the class. Notes that students must read plays not just to understand events, but to make artistic choices about how to stage the action so that an audience understands what happens.

  Keywords: Literature, Pedagogy, Secondary

• Shakespeare through the Lens of a New Age

  Linda Tabers-Kwak and Timothy U. Kaufman

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  Abstract: Discusses two approaches that engage both students and teachers as they come to share an understanding of Shakespeare's relevance to all ages. Suggests teaching Shakespeare through picture books and through music. Notes that one of the first ways to modernize Shakespeare is to allow students to interact with the work.

  Keywords: Literature, Pedagogy, Secondary

• Selling Shakespeare

  Michael Milburn

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  Abstract: Considers how the successful teaching of Shakespeare represents the ultimate challenge for many English teachers, one that measures their ability to enlighten and inspire. Discusses how his colleague approaches teaching Shakespeare to eight graders. Describes how he approaches teaching Henry V to her ninth grade students.

  Keywords: Literature, Pedagogy, Secondary

• "To Perform or Not to Perform?" A Question Worth Exploring

  Ginny Graham

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  Abstract: Presents the author's experiences as a kind of case study of what it looks and sounds like when "doing" Shakespeare is in the foreground of instruction and "play" is the thing that makes that happen. Discusses guidelines and suggestions for putting a play together.

  Keywords: Literature, Pedagogy, Secondary

• Shakespeare, Our Contemporary: Using Technology to Teach the Bard

  Cindy Bowman and Brendan Pieters with Sarah Hembree and Terri Mellander

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  Abstract: Considers how to relate great Shakespearean works to teenagers whose only question is how to get out of "doing" school. Suggests that English teachers need to view technology as a means of collecting information, capturing ideas, and making meaning. Discusses WebQuests, web sites, PowerPoint presentations, software, and tutorials to make the Bard a contemporary in 21st century classrooms.

  Keywords: Literature, Pedagogy, Technology, Secondary

• Shakespeare Is Alive and Well in Cyberspace: An Annotated Bibliography

  Dorothy Marie Hett

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  Abstract: Suggests that in addition to using books and movies to enhance students' understanding of Shakespeare, teachers can add the World Wide Web to their repertoire to help students connect to Shakespeare. Presents annotations of 12 Web sites to use for teaching Shakespeare.

  Keywords: Literature, Technology, Secondary

• From the Secondary Section: Shakespeare for All Time

  Judy Duprez

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  Abstract: Considers why some of the author's most memorable classes and teachers invoked Shakespeare and thrilled her with the performance of his words. Concludes that she does not foresee any diminution of the love for Shakespeare in this new age because humans are still possessed of all the emotions and flaws that bind and separate us.

  Keywords: Secondary

• Teacher to Teacher

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  Abstract: Shares six teachers' comments on how, why and which of Shakespeare's Sonnets they teach.

  Keywords: Secondary

• Learning with Technology

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  Abstract: Notes that professional reflection is a powerful aspect of practice and, in welcoming many "English Journal" colleagues back to another academic year, the author suspects that many are thinking a good deal about grading. Discusses the importance of feedback for student writing. Suggests the need to relocate teacher feedback to the public forums of class discussion and email.

  Keywords: Secondary

• Young Adult Literature: Defending YA Literature: Voices of Students

  Chris Crowe, editor

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  Abstract: Presents a collection of excerpts from a recent virtual class discussion students (primarily senior English majors planning to become English teachers) had on a course listserv regarding young adult literature. Contains annotations of 10 recommended works of YA literature.

  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: Can Literacy Be Part of the Secondary School Agenda?

  Maurice Wolfthal

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  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Secondary

• FOR FUN: Humanimals

  Stephen Sniderman

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  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Secondary

• English in the News: Adolescence: When Does It Really End?

  Bobbi Ciriza Houtchens

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  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Secondary

• Poetry

  Michael Angelotti, editor

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  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Secondary

• Professional Links: Teaching Reading and Speaking Shakespeare in Our High School English Classes

  Connie S. Zitlow, Editor

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  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Secondary

• Talk About Books: An “Around the World” Adventure

  John Noell Moore, Editor

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  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Secondary

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