Each of the articles in this thought-provoking volume provides information and insights about using popular culture in the classroom. The many topics covered, from philosophy of education to immigration and racism to autism, not only cite useful examples but stimulate further thinking on the part of the reader. The chapter on teaching science fiction and fantasy film in a Saudi classroom challenges many preconceptions and offers fresh perspectives. The various authors recognize that there is a range of literacies. Teachers at every level of education and in each discipline need to move beyond the areas in which they were academically successful to see how students construct knowledge from all of the different media currently available. Integrating visual literacy into the more traditional, text-based literacy is one of the challenges examined. The sophistication of the discourse is evidenced by the awareness of what can and cannot be achieved by using the various media. The notes and the extensive bibliographies at the end of each chapter will lead to further exploration on the part of the reader.
Summing Up: Highly recommended. Lower-division undergraduates through professionals. * CHOICE * This volume is chock full of creative, innovative, practical ideas for teaching popular culture. Janak and Sourdot have produced an impressive collection that covers a helpful range of educational approaches and practices. The book is an invaluable resource for teachers at all levels who wish to thoughtfully incorporate diverse popular forms and encourage students to think meaningfully and critically about the world of entertainment surrounding them. -- Ann Larabee, Michigan State University In addition to exploring relevant mediums that have not been considered carefully in previous anthologies, there are several other useful dimensions of Educating through Popular Culture. This volume integrates theory and practice in critical, innovative ways and also brings an important, global perspective to our ongoing conversation about education and popular culture. -- Mary Dalton, Wake Forest University
