Full Description
A common misconception is that professors who use popular culture and fantasy in the classroom have abandoned the classics, yet in a variety of contexts--high school, college freshman composition, senior seminars, literature, computer science, philosophy and politics--fantasy materials can expand and enrich an established curriculum.
The new essays in this book combine analyses of popular television shows including Buffy the Vampire Slayer; such films as The Matrix, The Dark Knight and Twilight; Watchmen and other graphic novels; and video games with explanations of how best to use them in the classroom. With experience-based anecdotes and suggestions for curricula, this collection provides a valuable pedagogy of pop culture.
Contents
Table of Contents
Preface EMILY DIAL-DRIVER
Introduction JIM FORD
I. Seeing the Classics in a New Light: Using Fantasy as a Lens in Traditional Classes
Pop Pedagogy JESSE STALLINGS
Added Interest, Added Value LAURA GRAY
Bruce, Bill, and Barack CAROLYN ANNE TAYLOR
II. Integrating New Works: Using Fantasy to Enrich Traditional Classes
Flights of Fantasy JIM FORD
Fusion Curriculum EMILY DIAL-DRIVER
"We're Not in Kansas Anymore" SALLY EMMONS
Critical Thinking and Post-Apocalyptic Literature MARY M. MACKIE
Corruptible Power FRANCES E. MORRIS and EMILY DIAL-DRIVER
Breaching Barriers Between Work and Play SHAKA MCGLOTTEN
Fantasy Classics: Hobbits and Harry in Interdisciplinary Courses JIM FORD
III. New Directions: The Joys of Fantasy Classes
Hansel, Gretel, and Coraline J. RENEE COX
The Fantastic Classroom: Teaching Buffy the Vampire Slayer EMILY DIAL-DRIVER
Buffy Versus Bella: Teaching about Place and Gender JACQUELINE BACH, JESSICA BROUSSARD and MELANIE K. HUNDLEY
Brave New Classroom: Using Science Fiction to Teach Political Theory KENNETH S. HICKS
Incarnations of Immortal Creations EMILY DIAL-DRIVER
Conclusion JIM FORD
About the Contributors
Index
