In English, or Not In English?

No, I'm not talking about speaking other languages. Actually, today, I'm talking about subject English - that thing you learn at school.

First, though, I totally cheated; there is now a Monday post just below dissecting Anette's sentence. I blame my lack of home internet right now %-) But don't forget to go read it.

This year I've started what's affectionately known as a Grad Dip, meaning I'm studying teaching, and English is one of my subject areas. We had a suprisingly interesting discussion in class yesterday, and since the majority of my readers are writers, and thus can be expected to Have Opinions on Englishy type things, I was curious to see what you think :)

Bascially, the question is thus:

What is subject English?

Put another way, what should we be teaching in English in high schools (years 7+)? Grammar? Spelling? (Currently these are mostly done in primary school, which is Kindy - grade 6). Essay writing? Analysing novels? Analysing poems?

Yeah, okay, they're pretty standard things. But what about analysing films? What about learning critical thinking skills in relation to other types of texts and media? Internet-savvy-ness? Does that come into the scope of 'English'? What about analysis of advertising, or learning to use technology to get across a point? Do we study only 'literature'? What is 'literature'? Who gets to decide? Is that right or fair? Should we study pop culture novels, films and texts? Why, or why not?

Really, what is the point of subject English?

Speak to me, dear readers, and tell me your opinions.

And then go read ;)