Episode description

Teaching an ELA elective that you've dreamed up yourself is such a joy. Today I want to stir up some ideas together for the next time you've got the chance to put your own spin on an older course or propose a new course altogether.

So let's start with a few questions:

Would you rather take a course called "Theater" or "Contemporary Theater: The Triumphs of Hamilton & Wicked "?

"Creative Writing" or "Writing for Change across Platforms"?

"Film & Literature" or "How the Oscars got it Wrong"?

"Argument Writing" or "How to Get What You Want (with your Writing)."

"Digital Literacy" or "Understanding Spin: How the Sites You Choose Impact What You Believe."

While many schools continue to run electives like "Creative Writing" and "Poetry," which are often wonderful courses, I believe it's time for a shift in framing. Writing is EVERYWHERE today, playing a vital role in our politics, our science, our businesses, our media creation and consumption, our entertainment, and our understanding of the world. To help our students see that, we can tap into modern platforms and media to hook our students, teaching similar key skills and texts in a new context, alongside more contemporary voices.

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