Poetry in particular is seen by some as being irrelevant in terms of practical skills. However, teachers also state that the study of poetry also helps the student to learn the subtle nuances of language and the way that words can function on many levels and in other fields and disciplines. For instance, knowledge of poetry and the intricate connotations of language usage can even be useful in the legal and business environment. In this regard many traditional teachers believe that neglecting the study of literature and poetry "spells doom" for the educational system in the United States. (James a. 1992)

This debate also leads to the controversial area of the teaching of history at schools. From the strictly pragmatic point-of-view only the history of the region or country needs to be taught. More radically, many educators believe today that history is not an essential subject that needs to be...
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