This book begins with an historical overview of the development of the concept of multiculturalism as it has been implemented in the American university. The book defines American multiculturalism through a focus on the ways theories and practices of historical, non-critical, multiculturalism have been used in the discourse of academic English departments. The author maps the problematic relationship between radical theory and institutional practices, which impedes the development of a critical multiculturalism that engages both literary theory and pedagogy. This critical multicultural theory and practice work to reconsider the traditional value of difference.

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