Rowman & Littlefield Publishers Yin and Yang in the English Classroom: Teaching with Popular Culture Texts

English studies today are driven by demanding curriculum, but this need is often met with unenthusiastic students. "Fun" work-like movie days or projects-is often seen as what to do after the real work is finished. But what if instructors could blend the two pieces together more effectively, motivating students with interesting material while still achieving curriculum goals? This text attempts to fuse the pieces in to a cohesive philosophy. Yin and Yang in the English Classroom: Teaching With Popular Culture Texts is designed to provide college professors and high school teachers with both halves they need to tackle the job of teaching students literature and writing skills: theoretical foundations of, and practical applications for, the modern classroom. In addition to theory and research, each chapter also offers ready-to-use activities and projects that can be immediately brought into the classroom. Whether you're new and need a guide to begin your journey as a teacher, or you're experienced and want to add some spice to your classroom, this text can offer new ways to fold popular culture effectively into your teaching toolbox. Other key features of this book include: •Clear, easy-to-read sections for each chapter, including a Review of Current Literature and Classroom Connections •Student-centered solutions to increase engagement with popular culture and technology •Step-by-step plans for taking the activities from the page to the classroom easily Review This collection of essays will help teachers of writing and literature think outside the box--and not just because the authors suggest using pop culture texts. Instead, by exploring the varied ways we might use these texts and the multiliteracies that students bring to them, these essays help us focus more on the processes we want students to learn as readers, writers, and critical thinkers and not just on the products we use to get them there.--Dr. Jennifer E. Staben, Professor of English & Writing Center Faculty Coordinator, College of Lake County Yin and Yang in the English Classroom: Teaching with Popular Texts is exactly what English studies needs: A 21st century reboot. Drawing from a wide range of popular culture trends, it offers English teachers practical ideas for teaching key concepts in theoretically sophisticated ways. Even more important, it gives teachers an energized vision for how to make English Studies both exciting and relevant for life in today's world.--Gian S. Pagnucci, author of Living the Narrative Life and Enter the Superheroes About the Author Sandra Eckard is associate professor of English at East Stroudsburg University where she teaches writing, works with English Education students, and directs the Writing Studio, a tutoring spot for students. She specializes in teaching writing, tutoring writing, and using pop culture in the classroom.