This book is dedicated to the use of a humanistic, thematic approach to the teaching of English. The chapters deals with such topics as teaching poetry, teaching American folklore and tradition, and helping students achieve greater self-knowledge and self-understanding through using the "speaking voice" in oral and written communication. The book also contains units on filmmaking, media and the representation of life, death, utoPia, the concept of the hero, individual conscience versus established authority, growing old, the world of the occult, sports literature, and the future. Each unit is written by a different teacher and contains the teacher's comments on the unit as well as an overview, the general objectives of the unit, and measures for evaluating the objectives of the unit. A daily lesson plan is delineated and resources for the units are listed. (TS)