Brave Learning: Do Students Need to Study Literature?
Recently on Brave Learning…
Do Students Need to Study Literature?
And if so, how do we make it as painless as possible?
The study and analysis of literature is intended to give students a lens into the ideas and stories that shape society (present and past) as well as to expose them to the complexity of human development, through time.
All sorts of fiction genres create scaffolding for:
- philosophies,
- ideologies,
- the politics of relationships,
- the exploration of the logical end of imagined scenarios,
- the psychology behind particular actions and events, and more.
Literature also exposes students to uses of language not available in nonfiction, and creates a series of cultural touchstones for shared understanding that transcend mere fact.
In short, literature provides an avenue of expanded imagination and language for the sake of both appreciating beauty and human depths, while sharing the experience with other readers (creating a kind of connection and community through shared story). We consider the reading of literature to be one of the ways we create societal cohesion! But do students HAVE to study it? [More]
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