history of american popular culture in the 20th century

History of American Popular Culture in the 20th Century

(Blocks 2 & 5)

Teacher: Melisa Shenmelisa_shen@lsrhs.net

About me

● Have been teaching at LS since the fall of 2001 (10-12th grades)● Graduate of Boston College (BA, M.Ed) & the College of William &

Mary (MA)● Hobbies: cooking, exercise, reading

Topics coveredCelebrities & Icons

Sports

Early Film (1920s-1930s)

Radio & Television

Internet/Technology/Video games

Music, Movies, Dance and Art

Advertising

Comic Books

Course Structure

Visual emphasis (slideshows, visual media, course website, etc.)

Emphasis on project based learning

Quarterly assessments: ● 1 test/quiz● 1 writing assignment● 1-2 projects

Course resources

Google Classroom - homework, essay outlining

Course website: melisashen.weebly.com

Bi-weekly syllabus

Aspen - open for student viewing

Skills

Study skills - organization, using available resources, in class supports

Visual presentations/public speaking

Analytical thinking/writing

● Essay writing (in-class work days, organization, outlines, re-writes)● Projects (multi-media)

Opportunity for feedback, re-write & re-takes

Research PaperTimeline:

Nov./Dec. - choose topics, begin research

Jan. - complete research & initial outline

Feb. - detailed outline & writing

March - paper due

Research paper topic examples● NFL concussion policy● The evolution of dating culture & impact of technology● Influence of drugs on the music of the 1960s● A Different World, The Simpsons, etc.● The impact of social media on American food culture● Wonder Woman ● ESPN & the evolution of sports broadcasting ● Grunge music● Gender roles in toys● Women in comics● Graffiti art● The impact of advertising on female body image

History of American Culture(Blocks 1 & 6)

Teacher: Melisa Shenmelisa_shen@lsrhs.net

Teaching Asst: Bill Novakowski

About me

● Have been teaching at LS since the fall of 2001 (10-12th grades)● Graduate of Boston College (BA, M.Ed) & the College of William &

Mary (MA)● Hobbies: cooking, exercise, reading

topics covered

Intro to Popular/Entertainment Culture

Early Film

Radio & Television

Internet/Technology/Video games

Music, Dance and Art

Sports

Advertising

Sample class (Goal: understanding how to analyze or find meaning in a tv show)

Skills EmphasisStudy skills - organization, using available resources, in class supportFocus on higher order thinking, making connectionsWriting ● Done in class● Focus on organization, outlines, re-writes● Beginning research

Goal is mastery ● Multiple feedback steps in class before assessments (review days, in-class

outlining/drafting/writing days)● Retakes/rewrites available for tests/essays as needed

Course Structure

Visual emphasis (slideshows, visual media, course website, etc.)

Emphasis on project based learning

Quarterly assessments: ● 1 test/quiz● 1 writing assignment● 1-2 projects

Course resources

Google Classroom - homework

Course website: melisashen.weebly.com

Bi-weekly syllabus

Aspen - open for student viewing