PROFESSOR ENCOURAGES DIVERSE READING

New teachers are encouraged and even expected to teach literature from a worldlier point of view. Dr. Jennifer Sinor of the English Department points out that there is a difficulty for teachers to teach multicultural literature because of “simply not having a background in it.”

Dr. Sinor has been teaching Multi-Cultural American Literature for the past ten years. This course is required for those studying secondary education in English. The purpose of this class, according the USU course catalog is “Introduction to study of diverse literatures of the United States, including Native American, Asian American, Hispanic/Latino, and African American.”

“I wish we were in a place where we didn't have to have this class,” Sinor laments, “but the canon is changing; more women, Native Americans, and classes are represented now.” While this is true, those in teacher education are still not being exposed to enough writers from around the world.

Today's secondary education classroom is much more racially and economically diverse than it was fifty years ago or even twenty years ago. Because of such dramatic changes in the classroom composition, teachers must be more equipped to teach these new faces. This is especially true in the Literature classroom. While Shakespeare, Chaucer and other classical writers are important and essential, they are not the only voices that need to be heard.

According to Dr. Sinor, the best way for future teachers to gain the knowledge needed for their classrooms in regards to multicultural literature is to develop “an intellectual and pedagogical interest, the desire to really want to understand.” Sinor continues by urging all to “read more on your own.” Dr. Sinor suggests reading memoir as a way to “help you get to know that culture through a personal story.” Delving into the world canon of literature is the best way to broaden your own horizon.