While reviewing our class texts for summary assignments, I recalled the notion that previous technological breakthroughs failed to really stir things up in the education field. The inception of radio communication represented a huge change in opportunity, and later came the visual transmission of film and television. This made me realize what great opportunities there were in technologies we take for granted. And so, I decided to turn to the most useful modern incarnations I could find for these media… podcasts and streaming TV service!
I watched an episode of Modern Family with my sophomores, pausing frequently to discuss literary devices being demonstrated in the show. We waded through commercials (hulu was my streaming service). I had to remind some of my students that we needed to write our responses to the provided questions as the TV show played, not after, so that there would be enough time to discuss our findings afterwards. Some of my students were caught up in the familiar experience of watching a sitcom on TV, so that they seemed to relax and feel much at home.
I certainly don’t my class to degenerate into simple TV viewership. However, applying the methods of literature analysis to TV is a refreshing way to mix up the media and keep things relevant. Sometimes our own ideas of necessary academic rigor can interfere with opportunities for efficient, meaningful and relevant learning.
Until Next Time,
J. Frederick
jakeisdeeplyamused 
Hello, Jake,
Cool lesson – integration of pop-culture and the comfort of sitcoms mixed with literary analysis. I encourage my students to think of the whole world as a text, and assure them they can do our careful analysis of parts in relationship to whole no matter what the medium or venue. This exercise would be a good way to model that practice.
You’re right, too, about making it sound, look, and be rigorous. We have teachers in my school who get more mileage out of the Romeo and Juliet movie than they ever could from the play on the page, but others will criticize how often movies are rolling in that room.
Have a great week!
Love the idea of using a show to teach literary devices. And I love Modern Family – all the dramatic irony! I think any time you can bring current media into the class, you should do it. It’s more important than ever for kids to be able to critically assess the huge swaths of information they are hit with each day. Sounds like the hallmark of a good teacher – always looking for the lesson in everything.
This is an amazing idea! I feel like students always see commercials and short clips to look into these elements of literature. However, an entire episode provides the opportunity to really look at the development of the piece over a more extended period of time! I am sure your students loved it. I know mine would have 🙂 Thanks for sharing!