Department+Projects

The following are some topics that I would like to explore concerning the English Dep't Curriculum. Please comment here or through posting to the discussion pages.


 * Essentials:Some departments have 'essential questions.' Should we come up with a list of essential questions? And if so, how? Or should we have 'essential themes' or 'essential skills' or 'essential concepts'? What about coming up with 'essential themes' for each of the major novels and plays that we read.
 * Reading Choices: I think we should discuss more seriously making changes to the reading choices, especially the full-length novels and plays.
 * Writing: How do we improve writing without making it such a chore (for students as well as teachers). How can we use writing as a tool for improving learning and communication skills, not simply as a task that is painful?
 * Standards and Standardized Tests: I think we should all become more aware of the standards and how we can better teach them. See the resources page.
 * Assessment and Grading: See my earlier memo regarding final exams.