Why Can't I Just Use the Classics?

Abstract

This chapter is an overview of the development of an asynchronous online graduate-level course on diverse literature for P-12 students as an elective for literacy teachers and pre-service librarians. The review of literature focuses on the use of classic texts and the canon in education, the importance of authentic literature, and the content of classroom and school libraries, providing evidence for the necessity of this class as a way to support culturally relevant teaching. This is followed by descriptions of the content and structure of the course as well as the activities and assessments used. The current instructor provides perspectives on teaching this course as a member of underrepresented faculty and discusses special factors in online teaching. Student feedback from the course is included as well as samples of materials.