The Comic Book Curriculum: Using Comics to Enhance Learning and Life

(Paperback)

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Description

This fascinating journey into the heart of comics connects their unique blend of entertainment and wisdom with school curriculum to invigorate teachers and students alike. What an intriguing idea! The Comic Book Curriculum: Using Comics to Enhance Learning and Life shows teachers how to use these ever-popular stories to enliven any classroom. The book does not suggest replacing classic works with comics. What it does offer is ideas and techniques for using comics to generate interest in a topic and for transferring that enthusiasm to more-traditional classroom lessons. The first section of the book introduces superheroes and the sometimes-surprising depth and thoughtfulness of comics. For example, it shows how the X-Men can be used to illuminate the Civil Rights movement, the dangers of fundamentalism, and the power of diversity. Similar treatment is afforded other popular characters such as Batman and Superman, and curriculum connections are made to topics that include the struggle between freedom and security, Norse mythology, the Holocaust, and nuclear disarmament. The second part of the book offers specific tools that will help teachers use comics as a welcomeand effectivedoorway to learning.

Reviews

a superbly written and presented compendium that is especially recommended for teachers seeking to develop effective supplemental materials for their classroom curriculums. * Midwest Book Review *
This author knows his comics, and his connections to real life will be useful for teachers who would like to use comics in their classes to spark interest, as well as bridging the gap between comics and traditional literature. Recommended. * Library Media Connection *

Author Bio

James Rourke is a history teacher at the Norwich Free Academy, Norwich, CT.