Final answer:
The statement that literature classes rarely change their list of studied works is False. The literary canon has become increasingly inclusive over the years, including a wider variety of authors and perspectives, reflecting societal and cultural shifts towards diversity and representation. Therefore, the given statement is False.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement in question proposes that literature classes have rarely changed their study materials over the years, except for the occasional addition of a few new works. This assertion is False. Scholarly discussion, such as Prof. Rearick's "The Changing Canon", highlights that the literary canon has evolved significantly over time. It is now more inclusive, reflecting a wider range of voices and experiences beyond the traditional works primarily authored by 'dead white males'.
The canon's expansion to include authors from a multitude of backgrounds—women, writers of color, and authors from former British colonies—illustrates its dynamic nature. Moreover, subjects like American literature provide evidence of a broadening scope with the inclusion of African American, Native American, Hispanic, Chicano/a, Latino/a American, and postcolonial writers.
This shift towards a more diverse and representative literary curriculum is vital for students, instructors, and society at large, as it can help to remedy the inequities of representation in literature and empower a broader spectrum of individuals to study and create literature. The study of literature remains a vibrant and dynamic field, one that continues to evolve and influence culture through the reading and analysis of diverse texts.