Wednesday, January 31, 2007

Where was this course when I was in school?


Courtesy of my lovable fiance:

Who's who of Whoville: Instructor teaches new class using Dr. Seuss' books as required reading

Associate professor of English Philip Nel stands at the front of his classroom with a book in his hand. An illuminated screen with a typed list of eight ways to look at the story glows behind him.

He opens the class for discussion, questioning the students about the themes and motifs of the book. His students begin breaking it down, talking about its ethnic and gender roles, stereotypes, general structure and prose.

The book?

"And to Think That I Saw it on Mulberry Street," by Dr. Seuss.

Nel is the instructor of a new class in the English department devoted completely to the life and works of Theodor Seuss Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss. This is the first time in K-State's history the university has offered a class specifically on Dr. Seuss.

One could question how an entire semester could be devoted to the famous children's author, but Nel said it is harder to figure out what not to include.

"There's an enormous amount of material," Nel said. "The real challenge comes in squeezing it all into one semester."

The class doesn't just focus on his books however; it looks into his influences, style and politics.

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