Reply to Is Shakespeare not taught in DCPS?

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Why Shakespeare? Why not Chaucer?  
[b]I’m also wondering how many of the vigorous supporters of reading Shakespeare have read any of his works beyond some academic requirement[/b], or have even gone to plays.  Is this an ongoing interest with ongoing support? Any Folger fans? [/quote]

I have read everything he wrote.  I reread plays during the summers.  In my years as an English teacher at a UK boarding school, I have taken many classes to the Globe to see live performances, and I often attend these just with friends.  I have been so grateful to engage with a programme via the educational team at the Globe, which sends their team to schools to lead workshops in acting Shakespeare with students.  Every year I direct a play at my school.  And I have a Ph d. in English Literature.

What are your credentials?
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Yale undergrad and a PhD in a social science — which is more than enough education to ask a very simple question about why some people are championing a particular recommendation. [/quote]

I don't need a PhD to understand that teaching Shakespeare is racist.[/quote]

I don’t think it’s the actual literature that’s racist, as much as the people who think there is a need to ask about Shakespeare and cry if it’s only taught a little or not at all.

[/quote]

huh? if English instruction doesn’t go deep into the foundation of texts and classics like Shakespeare, that’s a problem. The canon should be broadened not thrown away. And the idea that we shouldn’t teach Shakespeare because it is “too hard” is it’s own separate concern! [/quote]

It seems some of those who rigidly insist on Shakespeare are basically saying that English is really "their" language and therefore "their" authors must be the foundation for everyone else.[/quote]

Who are ‘those’ that insist that English is ‘their’ language and Shakespeare is ‘their’ author. One can claim English as their language by using it. The only way one can claim Shakespeare as theirs is by reading his work.

Obviously there have to be foundational literature, the so called canon, some works are more influential than others, bible for example, also The Odyssey, there aren’t many people that argue Shakespeare is not there.

Are you saying Shakespeare is artificially put on the list and should be replaced?

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