In a language-learning environment, that knowledge appears to be somewhat static, so the exchange comes into play when I can give students knowledge of the language and ask them to use it to exchange their ideas. In literature courses, we take knowledge of the language one step further, as I give students the elements they need both to comprehend what they read and to appreciate how literature can give them ways to broaden their understanding of themselves and of the world.
Teaching is also the creation of a learning community.
In the end, what I want to give to students is not a discrete body of knowledge that I think they need to know in order to live in the world. I want them to learn how to learn. Visit the Department of Romance Languages . Send e-mail to Cherin Poovey or write a note in the Guestbook .