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Why Reading Literature in School Still Matters: Learning to Create Insight from Literacy Engagements:Imagination, Interpretation, Insight » (1st Edition)

Book cover image of Why Reading Literature in School Still Matters: Learning to Create Insight from Literacy Engagements:Imagination, Interpretation, Insight by Dennis J. Sumara

Authors: Dennis J. Sumara
ISBN-13: 9780805842296, ISBN-10: 0805842292
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Taylor & Francis, Inc.
Date Published: June 2002
Edition: 1st Edition

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Author Biography: Dennis J. Sumara

Book Synopsis

Why Reading Literature in School Still Matters: Imagination, Interpretation, Insight explains how a reader's involvement with literary texts can create conditions for developing deep insight into human experience, and how teachers can develop these interpretive possibilities in school contexts. Developed from the author's many years of research, this book offers both a theoretical framework that draws from an interdisciplinary array of sources and many compelling and insightful examples of literary engagement of child, adolescent, and adult readers, as well as practical advice for teachers and other readers about how to create interesting and expansive sites for interpretation that are personally rewarding and productive.

Why Reading Literature in School Still Matters: Imagination, Interpretation, Insight :
• provides an overview of theories of human learning that influence beliefs about language, culture, and identity;
• shows how these theories of learning influence beliefs about and practices of reading and interpretation;
• introduces new ways to conceptualize reading that emphasize the relationship between individual and collective identities and language/literacy practices;
• explains why access to information does not guarantee that understanding and/or insight will occur—by emphasizing the importance of "re-reading" and "close reading" this text shows that development of deep insight depends on interpretation skills that must be taught; and
• presents a reconceptualized view of reading pedagogy.

This is an essential text for education courses at both the undergraduate and graduate levels and a must read for teachers and for anyone interested in more deeply understanding how literary works of art can create conditions for learning about oneself, one's situation, and one's possibilities.

Booknews

Sumara (U. of Alberta) argues that reading and interpreting literature facilitates a deeper understanding of human experience, fosters personal awareness, and expands the imagination. He offers both theoretical support and practical advice for teachers favoring the use of literary texts in schools. For undergraduate and graduate education courses, practicing teachers, and others interested in the value of literary works in educational settings. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Table of Contents

Preface
1The Gradual Instant1
2Learning How to Create Insight17
3Interpreting Identities: Troubling Bodies37
4Learning How To Be a Subject49
5Interpreting Identities: Every Moment is Two Moments71
6Learning How To Fall in Love105
7Interpreting Identities: Enlarging the Space of the Possible125
8Why Reading Literature in School Still Matters145
References161
Acknowledgments169
Index171

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