- Question
Should multicultural literature be included in the high school curriculum?
Multicultural literature includes literature about people who are underrepresented in mainstream society and have been marginalized in some way, including Asian-American, African-American, and Chicano-American literature. For the most part, high school curriculum for English courses revolve around teaching the classics, but should more diverse literature be taught in high schools?
Yes, multicultural literature should be taught in schools
This position holds that multicultural literature should be taught in high schools. It argues that it lets students see themselves reflected and affirmed, broadens understanding of the wider world, supports academic achievement, deepens analysis of the canon, and stands against racism.
No, multicultural literature should not be taught in schools
This position holds that multicultural literature should not be added to the high-school curriculum. It argues that standard syllabuses already offer enough variety, that the English canon is largely not multicultural, and that teachers may struggle to teach traditions they stand outside of.
Multicultural Literature Teaches Students About Their World
This position holds that multicultural literature belongs in the high-school curriculum because it teaches students about their world. It argues that stories and poems from diverse cultures help young people understand others and learn how to live in a varied society.