The history of composition instruction in the 19th century saw a focus on classical literature and public speaking in curriculum. As public schools proliferated between 1890-1900, the turn of the century brought a shift to using English texts and literature to teach writing instead of classics. While Harvard began using admissions essays in 1873 and advocated for literature in composition instruction, Yale opposed seeing literature only as valuable in its own right. By the late 19th century, high school composition focused on teaching writing through literature, known as the Harvard method.

1. The History of Composition InstructionPre – 1900 : Context for a New CenturyECI 520 – Spring 2010Scott, Kevin, Amanda

2. 19th Century: A Time of ChangeFocus on “classical” literatureCurriculum consisted of public speech and rhetoricFew professional schools

3. 1862Merrill Federal Land GrantHelped states set up vocation schoolsAgricultural and technical Economy was “laissez faire,” but headed towards Capitalism

4. 1890 – 1900Proliferation of public schoolsJump from ~2,500 to ~ 6,000

5. 1900Turn to study of English texts instead of “classics”

6. 1873Harvard is first college to use admissions essayUse literature to teach composition

7. Yale Opposes Harvard IdeasLiterature should be studied for its own intrinsic value

8. End of 19th CenturyHigh school level focuses on writing instruction through literature (Harvard method)