Models dramatic use of literature in the classroom. The play “Fences” is used to demonstrate how drama can be used in the classroom. Students and professional actors recreate a scene from the play and discuss the play as a whole. A local teacher shares her process for transitioning her English students into drama study. Studio Guest: Cheryl Hague, Teacher (Crete-Monee High School, IL) and University Lecturer (Governor State University).
Subjects: General
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Poetry Alive, Part 1
Explores how drama enhances the appreciation of poetry. The Studio Class builds on previous lessons, outlining the concepts important to good dramatic poetry reading. Concepts include proper performance modeling, unison and scripted poetry reading, the physical and psychological elements of performance, and ideas for incorporating the additional disciplines of dance and movement. Studio Guests: Rodney Bowling and Stephanie Kirk of Poetry Alive, Inc.
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Poetry Alive, Part 2
Discusses strategies for incorporating ideas presented in the previous lesson. The ideas discussed in Class 11 are expanded to include a protocol for memorizing, reciting, and performing poetry. Topics include how to script and/or score poetry for reading, how to stage a performance, how to build reading teams, how to follow up performance with meaningful analysis, and how to build on student interest and enthusiasm. The educational value of poetry performance is discussed. Studio Guests: Rodney Bowling and Stephanie Kirk of Poetry Alive, Inc.
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Qualities of Young Adult Literature
Outlines two diverse ways to analyze the suitability of a literary work. Students learn to examine the merits of a work on two different levels – by category and by “essential literary elements”. Discussion explores the various categories of literature available, and defines the structural elements of literary works targeted to young adults.
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100 Recent Young Adult Novels Too Good to Miss
Examines the appeal of many of the most popular young adult books. Students are given an in-depth description of the merits of 100 books popular with middle and high school students. The class also includes a bibliography of “must reads” by African American authors recommended by the NCTE Black Caucus. Studio Guest: Dr. Diana Mitchell, Teacher and past president of ALAN (Assembly for Literature of the Adolescent – National Council of Teachers of English).
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The Young Adult Library
Encourages a fact-finding trip to the local public library. The viewing audience is challenged to document the young adult offerings at their local community library. The Study Guide directs the viewing student to find out about the annual circulation of books among young adults at the public library, discover the range of programs designed for them at the library, and request advice from the Librarian as to how teachers might create or enhance their own classroom library to better serve their age group. Studio Guest: Dr. Diana Mitchell, Teacher and past president of ALAN (Assembly for Literature of the Adolescent – National Council of Teachers of English).
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Creating Thematic Units
Explores over thirty popular themes for related Language Arts units. The concepts of “Single Issue Study” and “Thematic Units” are discussed. Students are guided in finding multiple diverse ways of helping young adult readers connect to the material and find ways to make sense of the their world. The importance of student-driven input, discovery, and response is emphasized.
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Introductions and Course Overview
Emphasizes the need to meet readers at their current level. Viewers meet Dr. Muhammad and the Studio Class. Discussion centers on the stages of literary appreciation manifested from birth through adulthood.
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Guest Author Linda Hogan, Part 2
Part 2 of 2: Linda Hogan (Chickasaw) is a poet and novelist of immense talent. She teaches at the University of Colorado and is an environmental activist. She is a major force in the development of written Native American poetry, a well-respected fiction writer, an environmental essayist, and an award winning dramatist. Topics covered include the many uses of fiction and non-fiction writing.
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Guest Author Thomas King, Part 1
Part 1 of 2: Thomas King (Cherokee/Greek) has been described as a “Native American Kurt Vonnegut” and a “darkly funny Mark Twain”. He is a former photo-journalist and currently works as a university professor, scriptwriter, novelist, and author of children’s books. Topics covered in theses classes include King’s description of the differences between print and film media, comments on the making of this course’s video, the definition of “meta-discourse”, a discussion on stereotypes, a discussion on the uniquely feminist nature of Mr. King’s work, and the nature of “Tricksters”.