Hey guys,
I'm wondering if any of you teachers have used a television show or series in your classroom. I have used an episode or 2 here or there, but only as a comparison to something we were reading. If you have ever done this with success, or if you just want to share your rationale and/or other ideas you have been thinking about, please share :)
I was thinking about starting to incorporate Glee into my classes, as most of my students watch it regularly. There are so many issues that most teens face, and it would really help engage them outside of class.
The first three seasons of Buffy the Vampire Slayer have a number of episodes that I’d consider useful in the secondary classroom. Buffy—in the first three seasons—is primarily about the trials and tribulations of high school; teen viewers can easily relate to the situations the characters find themselves in. The supernatural elements in the show usually function as metaphors for the teen experience. It’s a cleverly written show with a lot of witty dialogue.
ReplyDeleteHere are two of my recommendations:
Season 1, Episode 11: “Out of Sight, Out of Mind”
As a result of being ignored by everyone, a student at Sunnydale High School literally becomes invisible.
Season 3, Episode 18: “Earshot”
After an encounter with a demon, Buffy gains the ability to hear people’s thoughts. She first uses the ability to eavesdrop but then hears someone planning a mass murder at the school.
Here are some other teen-related shows you might want to look into:
• The Wonder Years
• My So-Called Life
• Freaks and Geeks
Ben,
ReplyDeleteWhat a terrific post! You are truly a pop culture expert! I could see pairing "Out of sight, out of mind" episode of Buffy with the Laurie Halse Anderson YA book, Speak. Adolescents would be all over it!
Thanks for the recommendations! Keep em coming!
Popular (WB, 1999-2001) is another series that tackles teen issues. Ryan Murphy, the creator of Glee, also created Popular. There are definitely similarities between the two series, so if you like one, you’ll probably like both.
ReplyDeleteHey Jenna,
ReplyDeleteGlee would be a great show to use in the classroom: it's certainly popular and I can really see students getting excited about using it to learn. But careful-it's been blasted lately for some sexual undertones (we'd obviously screen it prior!)
Other ideas: Wouldn't a dissection of reality TV or music videos be interesting? They are probably a bit harder to filter, but that's what teens truly are watching day to day... What about the messages behind these shows and videos, selection of characters to fit an ideal, etc? For my last Lit Crit class I took a Freudian/Lacanian look at reality show (through the lens of psychoanalysis) discussing where our obsession with them may lie... and what it says about us as a society. There's nothing like deconstruction to dissuade viewers haha
Also, dipping back into the late 90's, Dawson's Creek, Friends and 90210 are rife for discussion (and too need careful screening, especially later, racier episodes!)
Ben, Thanks for reminding me about "My So-Called Life." I loved that show and remember having many conversations about it with my then-preteen daughter. What a fabulous classroom resource.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Ben, Buffy the Vampire Slayer is an excellent TV show to use in the classroom. I guess most high school age kids might not have seen this show since it was popular in the late 90's, BUT I do think they will like it and be hooked after a few minutes. I was definitely skeptical about Buffy, but I tried a few episodes and while sci-fi isn't really my "thing," it is a great show. I am using an episode in my wiki where a substitute teacher is actually a praying mantis and a literal "man eater" to talk about gender roles and stereotypes. Lots of connections with this show...check it out!
ReplyDelete