Masterpiece: Jane Austen
Educator's guide for high school English teachers

Starting in January 2008, MASTERPIECE  will celebrate Jane Austen with new adaptations of four of her novels--Mansfield Park, Persuasion, Sense and Sensibility, and Northanger Abbey. In addition, MASTERPIECE will rebroadcast the other three Austen novel adaptations.

Austen's perennial popularity reflects not only her skills as a novelist but her deep insights about the human condition. The recurring themes of finding one's own unique path and waiting for true love are as relevant today as they were 200 years ago.

To accompany these broadcasts WGBH and MASTERPIECE  are creating a 24-page educator's guide for high school English teachers. The guide will contain background information, pre- and post-viewing questions, activity ideas, and discussion questions based on the films and the novels.

Educators have always been enthusiastic viewers of MASTERPIECE  series. We know many of you already use our programs and Web site to experience, analyze, and explore classic literature with your students. Whether you have been teaching Jane Austen for years or are just beginning, the educator's guide will provide new and innovative teaching ideas to keep your students engaged.

To receive your free copy of the educator's guide, please contact SDPB Education & Outreach at
1-800-456-0766 or EdServices@sdpb.org