The Importance of Classical Literature in Secondary Education: A Literature Review

The inclusion and representation of Classical Literature in secondary education have been a highly debated topic. Teachers and students struggle to find the value and importance of classical texts and authors in the curriculum. This literature review explores the value of English language arts, how literature fits into that, and how to choose and use the right canonical classical texts. It questions the definition of canon and classic and how classical works that fit these descriptions benefit students. Developing these ideas will help teachers make learning the classics more relevant and applicable for their students. The goal of this review is to synthesize academic concepts regarding not only teaching literature but also Classical Literature as a whole to put the necessity of Classical Literature into perspective and encourage the inclusion of these texts in the secondary English classroom setting.