Can anyone suggest educator texts for British Lit?

[Katie Wisnosky]

As I mentioned before, I am a newbie to British Literature. I usually teach American Literature but there is a large senior class this year so I took on the challenge of teaching honors British Literature as well. Always a fan of reading texts on how to teach the subject or finding a new author who offers creative ideas for the course content, I was wondering if anyone could suggest some titles or authors for me. Thanks in advance! My Amazon account is standing by... Also any ideas for the senior term paper dealing with British Literature would be appreciated...

[Ryan Goble]

Hey Katie, maybe if you tell us a bit about what they expect from your course (required texts and topics) folks could give you more targeted ideas. Do you have any required texts, topics or time periods or is it wide open?

If you have to do the Canterbury Tales you should check out the The Rap Canterbury Tales by Baba Brinkman and Erik Brinkman and, I only have the book, so I can't speak to the CD but this is the audio to go along with the book Rap Canterbury Tales. My favorite "idea guide" is the Houghton Mifflin Literature Connections series because the books have wonderful and "hip" related readings and the sourcebooks are loaded with differentiated graphic organizers that don't suck. Also I'm sure you're aware of the "We Will Rock You" Knight's Tale. which has more gravitas post Heath Ledger as Joker.

With some more details I'm sure we can help a bit more? Maybe???

Ryan

[Katie Wisnosky]

Thanks Ryan! I actually own The Rap Canterbury Tales plus CD already. It's fantastic! We are required to teach Canterbury Tales, the Knights of the Round Table, Beowulf (which I bought the graphic novels for as well), Romantic Poetry, Hamlet, Frankenstein, Life of Pi, A Tale of Two Cities...I'm planning on doing a short story unit with "The Yellow Wallpaper and a few others and of course the Research Paper. I just came across the HM Literature Connections series last night on Amazon and was thinking about ordering a copy. The curriculum basically follows the time periods of history, but I would like to center it around compelling why questions instead.

Thanks for sending your funky vibes my way!

Katie

[Ryan Goble]

As you know one must keep it funky.

So I know TONS about Frankenstein taught that a lot and did a big event with kids about it called "Nice Genes, Dr. Frankenstein" - if you read the program from that event here you might get some great ideas.

Do you know about this book? Bedside, Bathtub & Armchair Companion to Frankenstein.

I'm assuming you've seen the Hamlet Allusions/Retellings post in the Shakespeare group?

Oh man, and there's this incredible article about Hamlet called Shakespeare in the Bush - off the hook.

Humm, for the Knights you must tackle the Holy Grail - I'd just imagine you'll be doing LOTS of background knowledge. And of course there are lots of stuff on Business and Chivalry. If the Holy Grail is too much you might consider The Princess Bride as a spoof on chivalry?

Romantic Poets there's a film about Byron that paints him as a rock star.

That's off the top o' the dome. Let me know if you want to talk more Frankenstein after you check that stuff out.

RRG:)

[Katie Wisnosky]

I can't wait to dig into this information! I'll be in touch.... We should meet up at NCTE in Philly as I have asked you many questions the past few months!

Thanks,

Katie

[Katie Wisnosky]

P.S. Just did a quick look at the links..Business and Chivalry will "rock" my curriculum for my Tech Comm students, that class I teach that needs to be career focused. Rock on, ol' wise one.

[Ryan Goble]

Just a wise ass - oh, but I got another dope one today when my iTunes was on party shuffle - how about - text from wikipedia.

"Guinnevere" is a folk song written by David Crosby in the late 1960s. The song appears on Crosby, Stills & Nash's critically acclaimed self-titled debut album. The song is notable for its serene yet pointed melody, and its unique lyrics which compare Queen Guinevere to the object of the singer's affection, referred to as m'lady. The song also deals with the importance of freedom.

Would love to meet up in Phili!!

Stay groovy!!

RRG:)