1 Theme: According to Baldick, a theme may be defined as âa salient abstract idea that emerges from a literary workâs treatment of its subject-matter; or a topic recurring in a number or literary worksâ (Baldick 258). 2  Themes in literature tend to differ depending on author, time period, genre, style, purpose, etc.
Active Learning. Active learning is any activity that allows students to engage the course materials during instruction so that the teacher and the student can ascertain the students' mastery of the materials and adjust the instruction to facilitate further learning.
1 A 32-minute video on YouTube containing clips of Dr. Felder using active learning in a large class, with narration by Dr. Felder and Dr. Rebecca Brent and post-course comments from several of the students about the impact of the teaching method on their learning.