The Politcs of Language
Christensen #4

YES!!! I love the beginning of this chapter, bringing my two favorite subjects together, history and English. "When i taught literature without examining the social and historical framework, i condoned the biased social messages students absorbed." (106). YES, YES, YES, my thoughts exactly. This is why I chose my minor and major, they are so closely intermingled that it is so easy and fun to think of ways to build off a topic for both subjects. You can learn a great deal as a student if you can develop your English skills through history and vise verse. I know if a class were to read "Huck Finn" without discussing the social standings and southern culture of the time period students will be lost or be subjected to biases. I love the idea of teaching history through classical fictional literature, i think students can learn so much that way. Frankly I feel students might enjoy learning history and English through historical fictional literature. Another great thing about incorporating not politcally correct literature pieces to discuss in class may jump start many students' excitement for writing. Granted a teacher has to careful on what books to select... these are PUBLIC schools.