The six essays in this collection indicate the new specializations and the shifting boundaries of the English teaching profession. John C. Gerber surveys the effect of recent research on the teaching of language, literature, and composition; on curriculum revision; and on teachers' professional attitudes. J. N. Hook defends the practical value in contemporary society of studying composition and literature. Four major concepts of language--language change, the nature and function of redundancy, the multiple dimensions of speech communication, and the value of linguistic complexity--are discussed by H. A. Gleason. William D. Sheldon's presentation of six issues pertinent to the development of sound reading instruction considers readers ranging from preschool children to illiterate adults. Larzer Ziff analyzes the significance of an author's particular refraction of experience and the relation of American literature to other literatures. Edward Rosenheim, Jr., defends the study of poetry for its value in encouraging a humanistic approach to life. (LH)