I taught a first-year writing course loosely based around book banning. The two novels that I taught were Madame Bovary (Flaubert) and The Bluest Eye (Morrison). I also assigned pieces of historical commentary. For example, in the 1850s, Flaubert was brought to trial because his book was considered pro-adultery and immoral, and the book was threatened. Those trial records still exist, so we read arguments for and against the banning of the book given in mid-19th-century France. Similarly, Morrison's text in particular has been banned from curricula and school libraries because of accusations that it's pornographic. So we read manuscripts from school board meetings with parents and students both explaining why they thought the book was important and why it should or shouldn't be banned. Class discussions focused on whether banning should ever be possible, under what circumstances, what novels and art are good for, etc. It was a great class! I find that students really hook into the topic. Good luck with your course.
Oh this is a great recommendation, thanks Isaac! I have a personal vendetta against Madame Bovary (it’s me, not the book lol) but being able to look at the actual trial arguments would be fascinating. I also speak French, so that’ll be a super interesting exercise for me. I was trying to bring in as many different types of texts as humanly possible - after all, I don’t know what kind of writing these students will need to do in the future, so might as well expose them to different forms of literary and academic writing. I’m also building out a whole other reference document, so I’ll put some of these resources in there, too. Thanks again for reading!
I'm always telling my students that they should be teachers! But then I have to add the caveat that they should stay in Washington State, where teachers are well paid. I want my future students to earn a good living :)
more additions to my TBR -- thank you!!
You are very welcome!! Always love enabling other readers 😊😁
I taught a first-year writing course loosely based around book banning. The two novels that I taught were Madame Bovary (Flaubert) and The Bluest Eye (Morrison). I also assigned pieces of historical commentary. For example, in the 1850s, Flaubert was brought to trial because his book was considered pro-adultery and immoral, and the book was threatened. Those trial records still exist, so we read arguments for and against the banning of the book given in mid-19th-century France. Similarly, Morrison's text in particular has been banned from curricula and school libraries because of accusations that it's pornographic. So we read manuscripts from school board meetings with parents and students both explaining why they thought the book was important and why it should or shouldn't be banned. Class discussions focused on whether banning should ever be possible, under what circumstances, what novels and art are good for, etc. It was a great class! I find that students really hook into the topic. Good luck with your course.
Oh this is a great recommendation, thanks Isaac! I have a personal vendetta against Madame Bovary (it’s me, not the book lol) but being able to look at the actual trial arguments would be fascinating. I also speak French, so that’ll be a super interesting exercise for me. I was trying to bring in as many different types of texts as humanly possible - after all, I don’t know what kind of writing these students will need to do in the future, so might as well expose them to different forms of literary and academic writing. I’m also building out a whole other reference document, so I’ll put some of these resources in there, too. Thanks again for reading!
Great post. Love the humor sprinkled throughout. Sounds like a rich exploration - enjoy the semester!
Thanks Julie! I try to add a bit of levity wherever I can :)
I'm always telling my students that they should be teachers! But then I have to add the caveat that they should stay in Washington State, where teachers are well paid. I want my future students to earn a good living :)
Oh an absolutely vital caveat!!!
I wish I could enrol on your course. It sounds brilliant.