The topic I have chosen is how and why there is censorship in literature. I think it is very interesting that schools decide what books students can and cannot read. I hope to learn what schools think is unacceptable material to be in a book. I think that it is important that students be able to read books that are important to their education. Some books have certain messages that could help students. A wonderful book that some schools don’t think that student should read is Fahrenheit 451. It’s all about censorship and students should know what censorship is about and why it affects the world in many different ways.
I am hoping to find many posts on censorship because it is such a controversial concept and I think that I will benefit as a teacher by knowing what to teach and what not to teach to my students. I hope by the time I am ready to teach, there won’t be a lot of problems with censorship and I will be able to teach what I think will interest my students best.
I would love to know what other people think on the topic of censorship and what books should and shouldn’t be taught in a high school setting. I would totally appreciate the input because I love the opinions of others!
tamiteshima said
There was this story about an ex-school board member in my school district back home that wanted to ban _Of Mice and Men_. I found it kind of odd, due to the fact that I can’t really figure out why, of all the books I read in high school, that was the one he wanted banned. It’s funny what people think is and isn’t appropriate for students to read. It’s a very subjective thing, and I think that exploring the topic is going to be a fun one for you.
Woot woot!
gvsulaker said
Nicole,
I’ll use this comment to address both your 310 and 311 entries.
First, the blog looks very good so far–you’ve got an appealing template and all of the elements in place. My guess is that you’re pretty practiced at adding links by now!
As far as your 311 topic, you should no doubt uncover lots of articles about censored texts. You might start with the American Library Association’s Frequently Challenged Texts . . .
Your 310 topic is also relevant and appropriate. Consider focusing on the way that standardized tests like the MEAP have altered writing instruction, for example.
Lastly, be sure to identify the feeds that will inform this blog throughout the semester.
RR
tamiteshima said
…just pretend I didn’t write the one above. K, thanks.
I know this is for your 311 blog, but I’m commenting anyway.
There was this story about an ex-school board member in my school district back home that wanted to ban _Of Mice and Men_. I found it kind of odd, due to the fact that I can’t really figure out why, of all the books I read in high school, that was the one he wanted banned. Well, maybe the end had something to do with it, but Catcher in the Rye and The Color Purple were never challenged. It’s funny what people think is and isn’t appropriate for students to read. It’s a very subjective thing. Who gives people the right to decide what could taint a “child’s” mind? A little swearing never hurt anyone, but I guess we still live in a society where education is the least progressive thing out of every discipline imaginable. There was this great quote from Alfie Kohn that I read that said something to the effect of, “Would you go to a doctor that practiced medicine the same today as thirty years ago? Then why do we still practice education the same today as we did thirty years ago?”
Censorship irks me, I think that exploring the topic is going to be a fun one for you.
Woot woot!
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