Get your own Free Home PageThe 21st century, the century of technology, will be a time for rampant change. The English Department is often the most traditional discipline on campus. English teachers are resistant to change the curriculum because they view their favorites as the "classics."
"I think the novels selected will reflect the increasing diversity of our society," senior Advanced Placement (A.P.) English teacher Cindy Vaughan said. "There will be more of a focus on world literature and world cultures because of how small the world has become because of technological improvements.”
However, Penny Nichols, who teachers American literature, said more will stay the same than change. She envisions Shakespeare and the so-called American -- The Scarlet Letter, The Red Badge of Courage, The Great Gatsby -- and British classics " Pride and Prejudice, Great Expectations, Wuthering Heights -- still dominating the curriculum.
"I do think that there will be more black writers and writers from other countries," she said. "Everything is going to be more demanding, especially the 10th- grade writing test."
Nichols expects EOCs for every classes.
"I believe that accountability for all teachers will increase and all classes will have end-of-course tests," she said. "There will be more emphasis on analytical thinking and communication skills."
Also expect more post-World War II literature.
Another likely change is that textbooks, novels and plays will be read on CDs.
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