How can teachers make literature compelling--and even relevant--at a scientific institution? That's the challenge faced by ORT Comprehensive High School in Rehovot, which plans to radically change the way in which it teaches written works. The school's aim is to break free of the teaching model that currently exists, introducing the subject in a unique, innovative way. The goal: to provide 10th- and 11th-grade students with skills in creativity, free thought and self-expression.

Two-hour weekly sessions will be based on the subject of "the language of art" with the intention of linking literature with other arts: cinema, theater, painting and music. A literature room with multi-media equipment will encourage students to explore the sociological and psychological aspects of literature that they themselves have the opportunity to select, allowing them to embrace literature so that it has meaning to their own lives.

Contributions to this project will allow ORT to:

• Set up a literature room for workshops, with television and video capabilities, a slide projector, books, video films, blackout curtains, university chairs, study materials and four computers;
• Create study materials for ongoing use;
• Contract guest lecturers and a facilitator; and
• Develop and maintain a web site.