The Power of Integrated Literature Studies: A Holistic Approach to Learning

Integrated literature studies offer an enriching way to teach students by connecting literature with other disciplines such as history, art, science, and more. By exploring the world around a literary work, educators can provide learners with a nuanced understanding of human experiences across time. This interdisciplinary approach deepens engagement, critical thinking, and real-world relevance, making literature studies more impactful and exciting for students of all ages.

What Are Integrated Literature Studies?

Integrated literature studies focus on teaching literature by incorporating insights and concepts from other disciplines. This approach emphasizes the connections between subjects, encouraging learners to think holistically about a text and its broader cultural, historical, and artistic contexts.

Key Features of Integrated Literature Studies:

1. Interdisciplinarity: Linking literature with history, philosophy, art, science, and more.
2. Human Connection: Highlighting universal themes and emotions that transcend time and place.
3. Active Engagement: Encouraging hands-on projects and discussions to foster deep learning.

Kendra Fletcher, a veteran educator and literature enthusiast, explains:
“The history and influences surrounding a work can’t be ignored. While you can enjoy a book for its own merit, understanding what shaped it or how it shaped the world brings a fuller understanding of the issues humans face across time.”

Why Use an Interdisciplinary Approach?

1. Holistic Understanding: Students explore how literature reflects and influences societal issues, fostering empathy and broader perspectives.
2. Cross-Subject Relevance: Integrating disciplines makes literature relevant to students interested in subjects like science, history, or art.
3. Deeper Engagement: Interactive and creative activities tied to the text improve retention and make learning fun.

How to Implement Integrated Literature Studies

1. Identify Cross-Disciplinary Connections

Select a text and consider its potential connections with other fields. For example:

• Historical Context: Discuss the era and events influencing the story.
• Art and Music: Analyze visual art or music from the same period.
• Science and Technology: Explore scientific discoveries or technologies mentioned or relevant to the text.

2. Design Interactive Projects

Tailor projects to fit the text and your learners’ interests. Here are some examples across age groups:

• Elementary School:
  • Book:By the Great Horn Spoon!
    • Analyze paintings from the California Gold Rush, like Thomas Ayers’ San Francisco Bay (1851).
    • Discuss what the artwork reveals about the time and place.
    • Encourage students to create their own gold rush-inspired art.
• Middle School:
  • Book:Unbound by Ann E. Burg
    • Explore maps of Pakistan to understand the setting and its cultural significance.
    • Discuss how geography shapes a nation’s history and daily life.
• High School:
  • Book:A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith
    • Examine historical anti-immigrant propaganda to discuss prejudice and its impact on society.
    • Connect themes in the book to contemporary issues of immigration and bias.

3. Incorporate Creative Expression

Bring literature to life with activities like:

• Costumes: Encourage learners to dress as characters or people from the era.
• Food: Share recipes from the book’s setting and discuss their cultural significance.
• Maps: Use historical maps to discuss geography’s role in shaping the story.

Example Projects for Integrated Literature Studies

1. The Wheel on the School (Elementary School)
   • Host a “Waiting Out the Storm Party” inspired by the book, encouraging learners to bring snacks and participate in discussions about life in a fishing village.
   • Share recipes like apple bread or “fat balls” (doughnuts) to connect with the story’s cultural elements.
2. Emma by Jane Austen (High School)
   • Explore the satirical subtext of Austen’s dedication to the Prince Regent.
   • Challenge students to write their own subversive messages, mirroring Austen’s style.
3. The Scarlet Letter (High School)
   • Analyze a historical map of Boston, noting public punishments like stocks and dunking stools.
   • Discuss the moral and societal implications of such punitive measures, connecting them to the book’s themes.

Tips for Success

1. Ask Open-Ended Questions:
   Transform yes/no questions into thought-provoking ones. For example:
   • Instead of: “Did Captain Swain have the right to risk his passengers’ safety?”
   • Ask: “What alternatives could Captain Swain have considered, and how might they have changed the story?”
2. Be Flexible with Projects:
   While project-based learning is ideal, not all students may complete every task. Prioritize engagement and learning over rigid completion.
3. Adapt to Online Settings:
   While teaching virtually, focus on what’s possible rather than what’s not. For example:
   • Use breakout rooms for discussions.
   • Share interactive resources like videos or digital maps.

Inspiring Cross-Subject Learning

Integrated literature studies allow educators to nurture curiosity and critical thinking across disciplines. By connecting literature to history, art, science, and more, students gain a richer understanding of the text and its relevance to their lives.

As Fletcher puts it:
“Fiction is never just fiction—it’s always somebody’s story. When we integrate other disciplines, we better understand not just the story but ourselves and the world around us.”

Resources to Get Started

• PBS LearningMedia: A treasure trove of interdisciplinary resources.
• Digital Public Library of America: Access historical maps, photographs, and documents.
• YouTube: Use channels like TED-Ed for short, engaging videos.

Dive into integrated literature studies and inspire learners to explore the connections between stories and the world!