Is literature education a real necessity to teach in public schools?

[stlukesguild]

I remember when I was in high school and I asked my teacher what kind of job could I get with an English degree and she flat out said nothing.

Sounds like a jaded English teacher.

Seriously, there are few jobs where a degree in Mathematics, English, Science, History, etc... are enough. Most jobs demand specialized skills and even a combination of skills. A math teacher and the secondary level, for example, would be expected to have a good many credits in math and geometry... but he or she would also need to take courses on Pedagogy, the History of Education, Legal aspects of Education, Computers and Educational technology, Psychology, Child Psychology, Special Education courses, and certainly Literature/Languages as a teacher would be expected to be able to communicate well... both orally and in writing. The National testing for any teacher involves a general knowledge test demanding a level of competence in Mathematics, Science, History and Social Studies, Reading, Writing, and the Arts. Many other careers involve an equal mix of skills and abilities. Employers are not likely to seek out employees with tunnel-vision or a single focus.

Certainly an undergraduate degree in Literature is not likely to gain you an ideal position. But this degree combined with other areas of study can be highly sought-after. There is always a demand for good writing skills in Journalism, Technical Writing (scientific, mathematical, medical, etc...). Skills in writing, literature, and language can be useful in careers ranging from translation, marketing, business, the law, education, politics, etc... You may have noticed that a great many leaders in any number of careers have a definite mastery of language... of the spoken and written word. The value of literature is not limited solely to Phd.s in British Literature or to writers any more than the value of math is limited to Mathematicians and Engineers.

[Buh4Bee]

Your discussion is interesting, but I believe there is only one response needed: yes. Do we want our children taught deeply and well? Then their teachers should also be well-educated. And we should want them well taught in literature, science, math, history. It is the foundation from which all else in their life springs. It may be idealistic, but not to strive for this would be a travesty.

Then they should stop laying off teachers in the US!!

[spookymulder93]

I remember when I was in high school and I asked my teacher what kind of job could I get with an English degree and she flat out said nothing.

Sounds like a jaded English teacher.

Seriously, there are few jobs where a degree in Mathematics, English, Science, History, etc... are enough. Most jobs demand specialized skills and even a combination of skills. A math teacher and the secondary level, for example, would be expected to have a good many credits in math and geometry... but he or she would also need to take courses on Pedagogy, the History of Education, Legal aspects of Education, Computers and Educational technology, Psychology, Child Psychology, Special Education courses, and certainly Literature/Languages as a teacher would be expected to be able to communicate well... both orally and in writing. The National testing for any teacher involves a general knowledge test demanding a level of competence in Mathematics, Science, History and Social Studies, Reading, Writing, and the Arts. Many other careers involve an equal mix of skills and abilities. Employers are not likely to seek out employees with tunnel-vision or a single focus.

Certainly an undergraduate degree in Literature is not likely to gain you an ideal position. But this degree combined with other areas of study can be highly sought-after. There is always a demand for good writing skills in Journalism, Technical Writing (scientific, mathematical, medical, etc...). Skills in writing, literature, and language can be useful in careers ranging from translation, marketing, business, the law, education, politics, etc... You may have noticed that a great many leaders in any number of careers have a definite mastery of language... of the spoken and written word. The value of literature is not limited solely to Phd.s in British Literature or to writers any more than the value of math is limited to Mathematicians and Engineers.

I agree. I mean there's a reason for every subject. The thing is with the world we live in today, at least here in the states, the main thing we're focused on is getting a job. Most high school students will see literature as useless if they haven't been taught its value earlier.

I'm trying to remember my elementary school days, and I did tons of reading back then on my own time, though they were all Goosebump books and fantasy, but I don't recall us ever having to read a novel for class.

I don't think I've ever had to analyze a book before either. Mainly it's just remembering certain details and being able to answer a question about it.

[blazeofglory]

One of the needs why I think lityerature is essential is it inculcates values and of course as long as we are in society or in association values, essentially good or moral are a must and of course a good piece of literature fosters great values. But at times I foresee some menace too while supporting the idea or importance of it in public education, for we must hammer this home to all that more often than not a piece of literature can be injurious to society and for that matter we must be very selective of what we are going to implant in the tender hearts of our kids.