Exploring the Value of Canonical Literature and Its Role in Modern Educ

Exploring the Value of Canonical Literature and Its Role in unexampled Education The English curriculum within most modern gamy conditions seems to be comprised of two main portions. The first of these is the grammatical component, which seeks to help students remedy understand the structure and function of language. This face, although considered tedious by galore(postnominal) students, for sure has immense value. Communication within the bounds of the English language is governed by a multitude of grammatical rules. Any student who wishes to communicate in effect must possess at least a basic discernment of these standards. The grammatical component, however, does not stand alone in the high school English classroom. It typically is accompanied by a literature section. This aspect of the curriculum focuses on the study of written kit and caboodle. In most junior-grade education settings, the literature studied falls into the realm of what is commonly re ferred to as the classics. In essence, these books argon part of a jurisprudence of literary works that has been collected and passed down through the years. Having stood the test of time, they are considered by many to be the best of the best (Dixon 4). Most of the literature in the canon is like a fine wine in that it seems to have gotten best (or at least become more highly regarded) with age. These books typically are written by authors whose names have become legendary Dickens, Twain, Shakespeare, Bronte, and so on Although the canon does feature a few 20th century writers such(prenominal) as Hemingway, Fitzgerald, and Wright, there is an undeniably heavy emphasis placed on authors who died centuries ago. Aside from a few notable exceptions, the works of the canon likewise tend to be f... ... classics and make it personally relevant. If this is done, the canon then becomes an invaluable tool for increasing knowledge and building understanding.WORKS CITEDA ppleman, Deborah. Critical Encounters In High School English. New York Columbia University, 2000.Dixon, James G. Transcending Difference The adjust of the Classics in the Curriculum of the 90s. Diss. Grove City College, 1991.Funderstanding. 9 Nov. 2003. .Jain, Saranga. Literature in Education Contemporary Texts Versus the Classics. Diss. The Pennsylvania State University, 1998.Literacy Matters. 8 Nov. 2003. .Whitehead, Alfred North. The Place of Classics In Education. The Aims of Education and Other Essays. New York The Macmillan Company, 1929. 93-115.