Combining Theories for Secondary Classrooms
In Deborah Appleman’s book Critical Encounters in High School English she introduces a helpful class activity that can incorporate various critical literary theories in a secondary classroom. The important thing is to make sure that when using literary theories, to combine them in a single lesson plan. This helps students have a broader understanding of how texts tie into literary theory. The activity is called Theory Relay. Set up four stations around the room labeled Marxist Station, Feminist Station, Historical/Biographical Station, and Reader Response Station. Divide the class into four groups and have them explore each station. Have the students read the various pieces of evidence in each station regarding the different theories. When they arrive to the Reader Response station they will all fill in a master RR diagram stating how the various theories connected with the text they have just read. Do your students a great service by involving other literary theories in your RR class sessions. This will create a better understanding of literary analysis for you students!
