Study analyzed 60 years of motion pictures to construct a theory of curriculum in the movies. Hollywood's ideal teachers were those who shared character traits found consistently in the films, traits that cut across traditional film genres and persisted over time. Good teachers in the movies used a distinctive curricular approach. (SM)

Asserts that song lyrics illustrate important sociological concepts. Reports on a study using song-lyric packets with 23 students in an introductory college sociological course. Finds that students were very supportive of the strategy and includes an appendix illustrating the approach by presenting one song-lyric packet. (CFR)

In his films, Spike Lee proclaims the existence of a dynamic and multifaceted African-American society, but he consistently delimits a peripheral role for African-American women, subordinate to that of the African-American man. Lee's work will fall short of its potential until it reflects the inherent value of African-American women. (SLD)

Discusses the failure of filmmaker Spike Lee to grapple with the real politics of Malcolm X before and after he left the Nation of Islam. Acknowledging the complexity of the man and his context would avoid creating a mythical figure similar to Oliver Stone's movie "JFK." (SLD)

Compares the effect of modeling on the development of musical preference by comparing subject race and sex with preferred performer race and sex. After viewing "We Are the World," subjects selected the solo part they preferred to perform. These were compared with their favorite performer. Subjects preferred same-race and same-sex models. (DB)

Argues that using popular recordings that feature baseball imagery is an innovative way to introduce students to the pluralistic nature of U.S. life. Outlines a variety of themes that use baseball history to develop concepts about social change, cultural values, and individual achievement. Lists audio recordings that have baseball themes. (DB)

Examines Houston Baker's argument for rap music's place in academe. Baker suggests rap as being one of the most creative and productive forms of cultural expression to come along in some time warranting the same kind of scholarly attention afforded the works of history's most noted philosophers and poets. (GLR)

Argues that art education does not meet its objective of creativity and instead is replicative rather than original. Contends educational journals such as "Instructor" and "Good Apple" reduce fine art to its antithesis, popular art. Concludes that art educators must work diligently to protect fine art from becoming "dumb…

Proposes a cultural model with alternative narratives for education that considers student and teacher diversity. The article highlights black culture, discussing why it is in the best interest of the global community to recreate the current mainstream narratives, thus helping teachers reclaim their own landscapes by employing alternative…

The recent history of Puerto Ricans as a community can be tracked by their participation in the rise of the hip hop culture, specifically in rap. The present identity of Latino rap is connected with the original placement of Latinos in rap and affirms the multicultural nature of popular culture. (SLD)

Discusses media literacy in Australia, where it is an integral component of school literacies from K-12. Discusses the teaching of analytic skills to develop strategies for thinking about the meanings media transmit and the meanings viewers construct for themselves. Describes classroom activities involving the studies of texts, audiences, media…

Notes that there are few readily accessible resources for teachers who wish to include popular culture in their ancient, medieval, or renaissance history lessons. Goes on to partially remedy this situation by providing a review of print sources of information on popular culture. Also mentions useful films and artifacts. (DSK)

Discusses a number of educational strategies that can be used when incorporating news material into geography instruction. Specifically addresses the many ways that error, bias, and distortion concerning geographic information appear in the media and why they appear. Includes a brief bibliography on geography, the environment, and the mass media.…

Reviews essays by Raymond Williams, which explain how, within the context of a 150-year literary history, rural stereotypes have been constructed and imbedded within a collective consciousness by a form of cultural colonization. Suggests that Williams' insights can help rural education researchers think outside the conventional wisdom that…

Suggests ways for music teachers to capitalize on student interest in contemporary sounds. Gives recommendations for class examination, examples of recordings and print articles to foster student enthusiasm and class participation. Discusses curriculum tie-ins with nursery rhymes, fairy tales, oral history, and social commentary, listing songs…