Insomniac's blog

As I think about how I would run my future literature class, I am faced with a few dilemmas. First, state and local curriculum guidelines. I have an idea of what kinds of literature I would like to teach, but there is always the possibility that what I want to teach does not coincide with the mandatory curriculum.
Another dilemma that I can see is the issue of intellectual freedom. In a way intellectual freedom ties in with curriculum choices in that when specific guidelines are set then it makes the teacher's job more difficult if he or she wants to supplement or change assigned texts.
Another aspect of future literature classes that could be problematic is that each class is different. I do not want to go into my first classes thinking that I can assign whatever I want. The pupils are all from different backgrounds (especially in urban settings), lifestyles, and social classes, so to treat the pupils as one body may not work. My hopes are that while I cannot possible change every pupils outlook and reading style, I may be able to influence a few each year. As Dr. Rob said, it is hit and miss.
I do not want to be so strict in my classes that I am unwilling or unable to change either materials, books, plans or anything else that does not seem to work with pupils. I suppose it all comes down to the ability to read the pupils, understand your specific school curriculum, and be able to roll with the punches. I know in my first few years teaching I will probably learn more than my pupils, but hopefully I will be able to impart a passion for literature and show the connection that literature has with the rest of the world and the connection it has in all the liberal arts. I want my pupils, by the time they leave my classes in the summer, to become students of literature. Remember, student comes from the Latin for fanatic. That's my goal...to inspire passion for literature and to help others see how integral literature is to our humanity.