MEJ Editor 2014, Best Practices & Teaching Tips, British Literature, Graphic Novel, Humanities, Literature, Michael MacBride, Peer Reviewed, Post-Secondary, Secondary

Comics, Dickens, and Teaching by Serial Publication by Michael MacBride

Teaching the "huge" text s-l-o-w-l-y: taking your time with Dickens and Comic Books How do you teach a 500- or 900-page Dickens’ novel—heaven forbid a 1,500-page Richardson novel? (1) How do you teach a comic book, like Detective Comics, that has been running since 1937, or a comic strip, like Katzenjammer Kids, that's been around … Continue reading Comics, Dickens, and Teaching by Serial Publication by Michael MacBride

MEJ Editor 2014, Best Practices & Teaching Tips, Erin Kunz, Feminist Theory, Literary Theory, Literature, Non-Fiction Writing, Peer Conferencing/ Peer Editing, Peer Reviewed, Post-Secondary, Secondary, Writing

Rhetorical Empathy in the Writing Classroom by Erin Kunz

When developing a college composition course, content and methodology are always important considerations, but as instructors we also must consider how we can develop good practices in order to foster an intellectual environment. We try to create community for our students, but because of a number of issues—resistance, apathy, and misunderstanding, to name a few, … Continue reading Rhetorical Empathy in the Writing Classroom by Erin Kunz

MEJ Editor 2014, Best Practices & Teaching Tips, Jeremy Corey-Gruenes, Non-Fiction Writing, Peer Conferencing/ Peer Editing, Secondary, Writing

Beyond the Research Paper: Exploring New Genres for Original, Authentic Inquiry by Jeremy Corey-Gruenes

After sequestering myself in my home office for nearly four hours on a Saturday morning—using headphones and a closed door to counteract the distractions of domestic life—I emerge, over-caffeinated but relieved, announcing to my wife and daughters that I've graded 10 research papers, my quota for the day. "How were they?" my wife asks. "OK. … Continue reading Beyond the Research Paper: Exploring New Genres for Original, Authentic Inquiry by Jeremy Corey-Gruenes

MEJ Editor 2014, Literature, Narrative, Post-Secondary, Russian Literature, Secondary, Wes Schaller, World Literature

Crime and Punishment: An Evolution of the Narrative Techniques of Dostoevsky by Wes Schaller

The notebooks of Fyodor Dostoevsky have both complicated and enriched the analyses of Crime and Punishment. Whereas some writers may employ the notebooks to supplement and illuminate their ideas, others may regard them as irrelevant territory—not to be used within the realm of critical analyses. This dilemma will necessarily be addressed later on, for the … Continue reading Crime and Punishment: An Evolution of the Narrative Techniques of Dostoevsky by Wes Schaller

MEJ Editor 2014, Best Practices & Teaching Tips, Heather Porter, Literary Theory, Literature, Post-Secondary, Russian Literature, Secondary, World Literature

Making Dostoevsky Relevant: Teaching Notes from Underground to College Freshmen by Heather Porter

Relatively little has been said regarding how to teach Dostoevsky’s novels to students. Even less has been said about how to make his work relevant to twenty-first century American students who exist within an entirely different cultural landscape than the characters of Dostoevsky’s fiction[1]. Notes from Underground  is particularly challenging, but its difficulty is precisely … Continue reading Making Dostoevsky Relevant: Teaching Notes from Underground to College Freshmen by Heather Porter

MEJ Editor 2014, Becca James, Best Practices & Teaching Tips, Graphic Novel, Humanities, Literacy, Literary Theory, Literature, Secondary

Redefining Literacy with Graphic Novels by Becca James

A line has formed, populated with people holding signs and speaking inaudibly to those that pass by. Move in closer, and it’s evident that the line is composed of high school students. Although they should be in the classroom on this mid-March Friday, they’ve taken to the streets in protest of Chicago Public School’s decision … Continue reading Redefining Literacy with Graphic Novels by Becca James

MEJ Editor 2014, Alicia Guthmiller, British Literature, Gillian Singler, Humanities, Kevin Smith, Post-Secondary, Secondary

Examination of the Cultural Influences Behind The Hobbit by Gillian Singler, Alicia Guthmiller, & Kevin Smith

Introduction The New York Times first pointed out in its review of The Hobbit, that "…there may come the thought of how legend and tradition and the beginning of history meet and mingle…"The Hobbit" is a glorious account of a magnificent adventure, filled with suspense and seasoned with a quiet humor that is irresistible…this is … Continue reading Examination of the Cultural Influences Behind The Hobbit by Gillian Singler, Alicia Guthmiller, & Kevin Smith

MEJ Editor 2014, Best Practices & Teaching Tips, Gillian Singler, Humanities, Secondary

The Hobbit Companion Essay: A Pedagogical Tool by Gillian Singler

The initial topic for this research project was a culturally-based analysis of a text of our choosing. Each group was expected to examine sections of their choice that would highlight the novel’s root culture in addition to paralleling it to our own. As a group, we decided on The Hobbit because it was beloved by … Continue reading The Hobbit Companion Essay: A Pedagogical Tool by Gillian Singler