The Graywolf Annual Five: Multi-Cultural Literacy - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1555971148 ISBN 13: 9781555971144

Publisher: Graywolf Press, 1988

Synopsis

The issue of cultural literacy has been the subject of intense debate in the past two years. Several bestselling books about the deficiencies of our educational system as well as changes in basic curriculum at more than one major university have contributed to the fervor of this debate.

Fueling the national controversy is the question of what body of knowledge constitutes cultural literacy. While many argue for a return to a "back to basics" curriculum, equally energetic voices call for a revised curriculum, one which embraces both traditional western classics and the classics of non-European cultures, among them African, Asian, and Latin American.

This volume brings together thirteen essays which suggest the range of knowledge truly literate individuals need to possess. Essays by such writers as James Baldwin, Carlos Fuentes, Michelle Cliff, Paula Gunn Allen, Ishmael Reed, and Wendell Berry enlarge our perspective to include a variety of voices and heritages which contribute to the vibrant culture of the United States.

Also included is a beginning list of names, places, dates, and concepts which are part and parcel of a multi-cultural fabric.

About this title

From the Back Cover

"All of the essays are worthy, readable, and provocative-- a few are sublime." --Jonathan Kirsch, Los Angeles Times

"... a challenging collection of essays that demonstrate the vitality of those on the margin-- women and people of color-- and reassert the value of multi-ethnicity on America's intellectual landscape." --Cecile Andrews, Seattle Times

The issue of cultural literacy has been the subject of intense debate in the past two years. Several bestselling books about the deficiencies of our educational system as well as changes in basic curriculum at more than one major university have contributed to the fervor of this debate.

Fueling the national controversy is the question of what body of knowledge constitutes cultural literacy. While many argue for a return to a "back to basics" curriculum, equally energetic voices call for a revised curriculum, one which embraces both traditional western classics and the classics of non-European cultures, among them African, Asian, and Latin American.

This volume brings together thirteen essays which suggest the range of knowledge truly literate individuals need to possess. Essays by such writers as James Baldwin, Carlos Fuentes, Michelle Cliff, Paula Gunn Allen, Ishmael Reed, and Wendell Berry enlarge our perspective to include a variety of voices and heritages which contribute to the vibrant culture of the United States.

Also included is a beginning list of names, places, dates, and concepts which are part and parcel of a multi-cultural fabric.

About the Author

SCOTT WALKER is the director of the Institute of Life Purpose and senior lecturer at Mercer University in Macon, Georgia. He earned a doctorate in adult education from the University of Georgia, specializing in adult developmental studies. Reared in the Philippines by missionary parents, he has spent a lifetime preparing to write The Edge of Terror. Walker is the author of ten books, including the recent American Civil War saga Hell's Broke Loose in Georgia.

About this edition

• Publisher: Graywolf Press
• Publication date: 1988
• ISBN 10: 1555971148
• ISBN 13: 9781555971144
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 188
• Editor: Rick Simonson, Scott Walker