How do these articles contribute to your learning about and understanding of canons? After finishing the article from the AP English teacher I realized that the canon has probably never actually been challenged or changed by authors because it is still pretty recent. Also the authors featured in the canon have been beyond exhausted, both articles touched on this and I really agree with it. I have not actually read much of the canon apart from more simple books but I know that the authors are over studied by professors.
Do they cause you to reflect on your own encounters with what can be considered canonical literature in high school? Definitely these articles made me consider what an appropriate canon would be form high school. It is true that some of the "dead white guy" works are very beneficial to study in high school but mainly these works are a struggle to relate to the average high school student. I think that canonical literature in high school should not be what it is today because not many teens can relate to it. It would be more beneficial if the canon consisted of works that related to diversity and relationships in high school.
How does these readings inform your thinking about the ways in which the canon should be preserved, changed, or expanded?
The canon can definitely become more diversified and expand its authors to include more women as well as more authors from all races. Possibly even expand to include some younger distinguished authors although a young author's work would be considered canonical for the next generation just based on how timing works out.
What value do you see in existing notions of the canon? What is perhaps not so valuable? Honestly I don't see much value in the canon as of now. The world is becoming so globally connected that if schools are to continue to teach these out dated works, kids will emerge from high school prepared for a world that no longer exists. The value of a canon is that it holds core ideals of culture together and I think that the core values of society today are changing rapidly. The canon will not align with worldly cultural values and soon it will have to be amended.
Do they cause you to reflect on your own encounters with what can be considered canonical literature in high school? Definitely these articles made me consider what an appropriate canon would be form high school. It is true that some of the "dead white guy" works are very beneficial to study in high school but mainly these works are a struggle to relate to the average high school student. I think that canonical literature in high school should not be what it is today because not many teens can relate to it. It would be more beneficial if the canon consisted of works that related to diversity and relationships in high school.
How does these readings inform your thinking about the ways in which the canon should be preserved, changed, or expanded?
The canon can definitely become more diversified and expand its authors to include more women as well as more authors from all races. Possibly even expand to include some younger distinguished authors although a young author's work would be considered canonical for the next generation just based on how timing works out.
What value do you see in existing notions of the canon? What is perhaps not so valuable? Honestly I don't see much value in the canon as of now. The world is becoming so globally connected that if schools are to continue to teach these out dated works, kids will emerge from high school prepared for a world that no longer exists. The value of a canon is that it holds core ideals of culture together and I think that the core values of society today are changing rapidly. The canon will not align with worldly cultural values and soon it will have to be amended.