MACMILLAN Graphic Novels as Pedagogy in Social Studies: How to Draw Citizenship (Palgrave Studies in Global Citizenship Education and Democracy)

This book examines the study of citizenship by means of reading and creating graphic novels and comics in the social studies classroom. The author argues that utilizing graphic novels in the classroom not only helps to teach important concepts, skills, and dispositions of the social studies, but can also empower students with the means to grapple with the complexities of our current times. From the primary school classroom through high school and beyond, graphic novels provide a rich platform to explore a diverse array of issues such as history, critical geography, gender, race and ethnicity, disability, leadership, feminism, sexual identity, philosophy, and social justice issues, as well as provide a multidisciplinary lens for discourse on citizenship. Cultivating multimodal literacy skills through graphic novels allows students and instructors to conceive of and practice citizenship in new, unforeseen ways in an era where truth is in question. To drive this point forward, the author includes examples of both his own and his students’ work, along with exercises to be used in social studies classrooms. Review “By drawing detailed connections between features of the comics medium and features of citizenship, Letizia helps forge a new path in the direction of scholarship that blends comics, socio-moral issues, and pedagogy. The result is a thoughtful and relevant exploration of the ways the complex themes often addressed in comics may stimulate conversations about complex issues facing our ever-changing society.” ― Justin Martin, Assistant Professor of Psychology, Whitworth University, USA “Any teacher who places a high value on student engagement is always on the lookout for new, creative pedagogical ideas. Letizia's new book provides exactly that. His project, teaching citizenship in an age of postmodern hyper-reality through the medium of comics, is a treasure trove of creative teaching methods that will be of specific interest to social science teachers. By engaging students in reading comics and, most originally, the creation of comics in learning civics, Letizia lays the foundation for a rich and exciting educational experience. This book understands that creativity is a powerful asset in learning and I am glad to have read it.”―Daniel P. Anderson, Assistant Professor of English, Mount Aloysius College, USA From the Back Cover This book examines the study of citizenship by means of reading and creating graphic novels and comics in the social studies classroom. The author argues that utilizing graphic novels in the classroom not only helps to teach important concepts, skills, and dispositions of the social studies, but can also empower students with the means to grapple with the complexities of our current times. From the primary school classroom through high school and beyond, graphic novels provide a rich platform to explore a diverse array of issues such as history, critical geography, gender, race and ethnicity, disability, leadership, feminism, sexual identity, philosophy, and social justice issues, as well as provide a multidisciplinary lens for discourse on citizenship. Cultivating multimodal literacy skills through graphic novels allows students and instructors to conceive of and practice citizenship in new, unforeseen ways in an era where truth is in question. To drive this point forward, the author includes examples of both his own and his students’ work, along with exercises to be used in social studies classrooms. About the Author Angelo J. Letizia is Assistant Professor in the School of Education at Notre Dame of Maryland University, USA. His research interests include student development theory and civic education.