As a student in middle
and high school, I was asked to read works by great classic authors. And, yes,
I struggled to understand the old English language of William Shakespeare and
to decipher the stream of consciousness style of William Faulkner. But I also
reveled in the beautiful tone of Charlotte Bronte and the courageousness of
Harper Lee. The point is that I was pushed outside my comfort zone to
experience authors and subjects that I otherwise never would have picked up for
myself.
Today, many classrooms
are turning away from classic literature and replacing them with modern works
of fiction. In an effort to appeal to their students and their action packed
science fiction world of fantasy and adventure, our education system is dumbing
down its curriculum. It is passing over time tested classics for reading lists
with “teen appeal.”
Since when did our
curriculum become dictated by student appeal? With this method of teaching,
algebra and calculus would be omitted from many a math schedule. Physics and
European history would be passed over for subjects kids prefer like cowboys and
indians.
It shouldn’t matter if a
student thinks he isn’t interested in 18th Century England. From reading books of this era,
he will learn higher level vocabulary, more complex sentence structures, as
well as vivid and descriptive prose. He will learn the historical significance
of unique locations and important cultural references. Reading one good classic
novel can cross curriculums for English, literature, art, history, and
sociology. It can open up an understanding of humanity and how far the world
has advanced over time.
But reading
classic literature takes time. It cannot be gobbled up in one sitting or
digested in between classes. Classic novels often require concentration and
deciphering of language and style. They were penned in times when writing was
an art form and authors had distinct styles and tones. No two classics are
alike – there is not cookie cutter classic novel format.
This is not
to say that that modern fiction doesn’t have its place in today’s world.
Students are interested in science fiction and the world of possibility. They
are interested in relationships that mirror their own lives and struggles. But
students who are interested in these things will read them anyway. They do not
need to be taught them in school. School should be about broadening the
horizons beyond what a student already finds interest in.
In addition, modern
fiction doesn’t challenge students in the same way classic novels do. Modern
fiction employs lesser vocabulary and sentence structures. They are written for
the masses. A good teacher should help students move beyond “the masses”
mentality and aim for higher standards.
We’ve all
heard the saying that “good readers make good writers.” But this is only true
to the degree that the body of work being read is of high value and standard. A
student who reads only cereal boxes and comic books will never become the next
Hemmingway!
No comments:
Post a Comment