Quote:
Originally Posted by Iowa_Flames_Fan
How do you propose writing and reading should be taught if students are never exposed to anything good?
The fact is, most of the research out there shows that "teaching grammar" as a subject unto itself is a waste of time. But you can achieve a lot by mediating students' exposure to a wide range of cultural sources, especially those that they might not encounter outside of the classroom.
Besides, Shakespeare is really, really good. There are two types of people--those who appreciate and love Shakespeare, and those who don't appreciate him--yet--because they haven't been introduced to him in the right way. I've converted more undergrads than I can count--and it's not because I'm an amazing teacher. It really is compelling, amazing stuff--if your teacher starts by teaching you how to read it.
Which, not for nothing--adds reading ability to your roster of life skills.
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I personally don't like Shakespeare and I never have. I have an English degree and obviously a lot of time was spent on Shakespeare including a full-year Shakespeare course, not to mention Shakespeare coming up in EVERY other English course I took. Bottom line is I just don't enjoy reading it, listening to it, watching it, etc.
The one exception is the Romeo and Juliet movie with Leo DiCaprio and Claire Danes. That was a wicked movie.