Critical Encounters in Secondary English: Teaching Literary Theory to Adolescents

The fourth edition of Critical Encounters in Secondary English integrates contemporary literary theory with Critical Race Theory (CRT) to provide teachers with new opportunities for interdisciplinary planning and teaching. Each chapter concludes with suggested nonfiction pieces that work well for the particular lens under discussion.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 22 December 2023
Publisher: Teachers' College Press

The fourth edition of Critical Encounters in Secondary English, a groundbreaking text that blends solid theory with new field-tested classroom activities, is now available. This edition continues to be a valuable resource for teachers who seek to integrate contemporary literary theory into their teaching practices, which have always been rooted in good pedagogy.

One of the most significant changes in this edition is the inclusion of Critical Race Theory (CRT) as an analytical lens. CRT offers teachers a fresh perspective for interdisciplinary planning and teaching, as it lends itself to lessons that encompass a wide range of disciplines, including history, sociology, psychology, and science. This integration allows for a more comprehensive understanding of literary texts and their relevance to contemporary society.

As with the previous edition, each chapter concludes with a list of suggested nonfiction pieces that work well for the particular lens under discussion. These nonfiction selections provide students with valuable context and enhance their understanding of the literary concepts being explored.

This popular text offers a comprehensive approach to incorporating nonfiction and informational texts into the literature classroom. With new and revised classroom activities that are tailored to today's students, teachers can engage their students in meaningful and relevant learning experiences.

The book features a clear and accessible writing style that makes contemporary literary theory accessible to both pre- and inservice ELA teachers. It provides lucid and comprehensive explications of key concepts, theories, and frameworks, helping teachers to deepen their understanding of literary analysis and pedagogy.

In addition to its theoretical insights, Critical Encounters in Secondary English offers dozens of innovative and field-tested classroom activities. These activities are designed to engage students and promote critical thinking, collaboration, and communication skills. From discussion prompts and writing exercises to multimedia projects and visualizations, the activities provide a variety of ways for teachers to incorporate contemporary literary theory into their teaching.

One of the key strengths of this text is its ability to tackle the thorny issue of Critical Race Theory in a helpful and practical way. CRT is a complex and controversial topic, but the authors provide clear and concise explanations of its principles and applications. They offer practical strategies for integrating CRT into the literature classroom, including ways to address the historical and systemic biases that exist in literary texts.

Overall, the fourth edition of Critical Encounters in Secondary English is a must-have resource for teachers who are committed to providing their students with a comprehensive and engaging education in literature and contemporary society. With its solid theoretical foundation, innovative classroom activities, and practical approach to Critical Race Theory, this text is an invaluable tool for educators who want to create dynamic and inclusive learning environments.

Dimension: 229 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780807768402
Edition number: 4 Revised edition