Don Quixote The empiricist philosopher, John Locke (1632 – 1704), is best know for his Essay concerning Human Understanding (1690) and Two Treatises of Government (1689). Also important are his Letters concerning Toleration (1689, 1690, 1692) and Some Thoughts Concerning Education (1693). But it was just today that I came across a reprint of his manuscript Some thoughts concerning reading and study for a gentleman (1703) which Dr Johnson's quotes from in his dictionary definition of rhetorick. I was particularly interested to reflect on Locke's notion of connectness in education. Since the text is interesting in its own right I have copied the extracts that follow from it. The first is from the opening; the second praises Cervantes' novel Don Quixote (1605) Locke concluded his thoughts by recommending the use of dictionaries and encyclopaedias. [p. 405] Reading is for the improvement of the understanding. The improvement of the unders
LEARNING KEY TERMS: Students often experience difficulty understanding, learning, and applying the key terms that are essential for the study of English Language and Literature. Even some undergraduates have poor mastery of the most basic terms. Across a range of subjects the need to acquire the technical vocabulary presents a major challenge. Many disciplines are turning to creative play exercises in order to improve motivation, engagement, and ultimately to improve exam results (See Further Reading , below). Most teachers understand that it is worth testing students’ knowledge base by asking them to compile their own glossary (A-Z), with key words, definitions and examples. This is a practical research exercise. It is ideal for small group work, or as a whole-class exercise. In a multi-media environment students might also select their own images to illustrate the key terms. As teachers we spend far too much time creating resources for students, rather than asking le
The poetry of Alexander Pope (1688-1744) is sometimes associated with a cramped 'classical' approach to the imagination. However, rhythmic life and energy are bound up in Pope's rhyming couplets. He has an ear for music and movement. In fact, he often speaks about dance or employs its as a metaphor. Rhythm and dance provide a rich vein of physicality. Like Dryden, Pope perfected his ability to hear the inherent musicality of words and their sinewy rhythmic potential. He is a master of the soft rhapsodic cadences of lyric and elegy as much as the harsh, rough music of snarling satire. Although many of Pope's poems present formidable challenges to modern readers it eill eb apparent that a judicious selection of extracts will repay close reading and recitation. Students should also attempt to write their own couplets as this creative process will enable them to understand the levels of subtlety and complexity that can be achieved. Alexander Pope's Essay on Criti
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