How to use "The Rock and the River" in the English classroom - The benefits of literature in the language classroom

Abstract

The aim of this study is to illustrate the advantages of literature in the teaching of English as a second language for Upper Secondary School. More specifically, the study will focus at how the African-American Civil Rights Movement can be presented to students in the English classroom by looking at the novel "The Rock and the River" written by Kekla Magoon and discuss various approaches a teacher could have when teaching with the book as a basis. By doing so, the benefits of working with authentic literature in the language classroom will be highlighted and ways to work with these types of texts will be suggested by referring to the Swedish syllabus and relevant pedagogical literature. Examples of exercises and discussion topics that can be performed when using this novel/ topic in a literature project in class will be presented, all of which will be based on the Swedish curriculum for Upper Secondary School. Furthermore, it will be included in the discussion how fundamental elements of language learning can be integrated into the activities that will be presented as part of the project. This study shows how working with literature can cover both linguistic elements in the teaching of literature as well as cultural and ethical aspects that enrich students' learning experience and personal growth.