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: Hardback
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 themes and 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 and theories, making it an invaluable resource for both novice and experienced educators.

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 and analysis. From discussion prompts and writing exercises to multimedia projects and visualizations, the activities in this book provide teachers with a wide range of tools to create dynamic and engaging learning environments.

One of the key strengths of this edition is its approach to addressing the issue of Critical Race Theory. While the topic can be complex and controversial, the book provides helpful and practical ways for teachers to incorporate CRT into their teaching. It offers insights into the historical context of race and racism, as well as the ways in which literature and other cultural texts perpetuate and challenge these systems of power.

Overall, the fourth edition of Critical Encounters in Secondary English is a must-have resource for teachers who are committed to integrating contemporary literary theory into their teaching practices. With its solid theoretical foundation, innovative classroom activities, and thoughtful approach to Critical Race Theory, this text provides teachers with the tools they need to create engaging and inclusive learning environments for their students.

ISBN-13: 9780807768419
Edition number: 4 Revised edition