Week 3 - Appleman Ch. 1

Chapter One - The Case for Critical Theory in the Classroom

On page 2 Appleman writes, "This book challenges current theoretical and pedagogical paradigms of the teaching of literature by incorporating the teaching of literary theory into high school literature classes. The guiding assumption of the book is that the direct teaching of literary theory in secondary English classes will better prepare adolescent readers to respond reflectively and analytically to literacy texts, both "canonical" and multicultural."

Upon reading this I felt I could relate to the literature teachers she mentioned a little ways before this passage. She notes that "Literature teachers find it difficult to see, at least initially, how contemporary literary theory can inform their daily practice. They are already overwhelmed as they juggle curricular concerns as well as the competing literacy skills and needs of their increasingly diverse student body. Students and teachers alike find it hard to believe that something as abstract and "impractical" as literary theory could be relevant to their lives, both in and out of the classroom."

I related most to the section on Reader Response Theory. This is the theory I have the most experience with, as it is the most commonly practiced of the theories. I like it because it allows a reader like myself to bring my own experiences to the text, and take my own interpretations from it.

Appleman ends the chapter by explaining the purpose of teaching theory. “The purpose of teaching literary theory at the secondary level is not to turn adolescents into critical theorists; rather, it is 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) I think this quote will be an important point to remember thought reading the text.