To understand the dangers of interpreting literary works primarily through the history, social customs, and values of the period portrayed in the work, students should imagine themselves 3 centuries in the future considering a modern work of art. For example, they should try to interpret the movie, "The Graduate," as a reflection of the social and moral values of the 20th century. Through such an activity, they will not only become aware of some of the dangers of the "psuedo-history of ideas," but also will learn what historical information can be of value, and will realize that no historical analysis can substitute for a close reading of the work itself. (LH)