Kevin Costner, America's Teacher

Kevin Costner: America's Teacher explores the educational impact of Kevin Costner's films, highlighting his contributions to understanding American history, culture, and people. The book offers insights for teachers and scholars on utilizing Costner's work in research and teaching at various educational levels.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 02 February 2022
Publisher: Lexington Books

Kevin Costner: America's Teacher delves into the multifaceted role of Kevin Costner in educational settings both domestically and internationally. Over the course of his illustrious career spanning nearly three and a half decades, Costner has experienced a remarkable journey marked by both triumphs and challenges. His films have amassed an impressive global box office revenue of over 2 billion dollars, earning him numerous Academy Award nominations and accolades. However, his artistic endeavors have not been without their share of critical and commercial setbacks.

Through the diverse range of films in his repertoire, Costner has been instrumental in educating audiences worldwide about the United States—its rich history, diverse people, and vibrant culture. While some viewers and scholars view this as a positive contribution to cultural understanding, others have raised concerns about the potential limitations and problematic aspects of his portrayal.

This book serves as a valuable resource for teachers and scholars seeking to explore the potential of Kevin Costner as a subject for research and teaching at various educational levels. It is structured around three central themes:

Baseball Films and Their Connection to Americana: Costner's baseball films, such as Field of Dreams and Bull Durham, have become iconic representations of American culture and values. This theme explores the ways in which these films resonate with audiences and contribute to our understanding of American history, sports, and the American Dream.

Critical Lenses of Gender and New Western Scholarship: Costner's films have often been analyzed through the lenses of gender and new western scholarship, shedding light on the representation of women, minorities, and the Western genre. This theme examines the ways in which Costner's films challenge traditional narratives and offer alternative perspectives on gender, race, and power.

Teaching of Teachers: Costner's work as a teacher and educator is explored in this theme, highlighting the pedagogical possibilities of his films and the insights they offer into the teaching profession. It examines the ways in which Costner's characters and storylines can inspire and motivate teachers, as well as the challenges and opportunities they present in the classroom.

By examining these themes, Kevin Costner: America's Teacher provides a comprehensive exploration of the role of Kevin Costner in education and culture. It offers valuable insights for teachers, scholars, and anyone interested in exploring the intersection of film, education, and cultural representation.

Weight: 535g
Dimension: 228 x 161 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781793647863