YALIT/Crit

Conflicts and Comparisons

In chapter 3, Johnson/Freedman expand on the usage of literary theories; the author believes that literary theories help develop critical literacies which assist students in better understanding the complexities of the world.

New Criticism (the meaning of the text resides in the text alone)may be too difficult for middle level readers to comprehend so it is suggested that they use reader response theories.

It may be a fact that some college students may even have problems with the interpretations of such theories as New Criticism, Modernism, Post Modernism, or even Feminist. If New Criticism is taught in secondary school, maybe it should be done only in the AP classes.

Moving from Theory to Practice

Chapter 2 is interesting as Johnson/Freedman get into the specifics on how to read critically and learning the ways in which to analyze the language of a text. He points out some points that are quite profound such as; whenever any of us read a text, we are in conversation with the author of the text. When we watch a television newscast, we converse with the events of the world. The most important fact in the chapter that he mentions is one which is often times overlooked by the people; we all have opinions that matter.

Johnson/Freedman Chapt.1

In chapter 1 entitled Becomming Critically Conscious, Johnson and Freedman expand on the mental talents of middle level students. Due to the conflicting ideas and constant contradictions that are constantly happening in the world today ,there is no wonder why adolescents question adults as much as they do.

It seems like this chapter gets into the scientific aspects of language as they use terms like critical thinking, critical consciousness, and critical literacy. These concepts can be used not only to analyze the language in any text but also in arguments and dicussions on any given topic.

Critical thinking brings into question the asking about such things as: the cause and effect, point of view, evidence, suppose/wondering, and debate.

Critical consciousness is when one uses their knowledge of social and historical (ideologies) in order to make clear decisions on whether something is just or unjust.

Critical literacy is the effort made by the reader in making sure that the politics is correct within the text. It's a blend of critical thinking and attention to social justice and political power aspects; aspects which are used in the language of the text.

Critical Pedagogy- This one is my favorite because if a teacher is to embrace this theory, then he or she is ready to allow a question stance into their classroom.