Teaching in Times of Crisis: Applying Comparative Literature in the Classroom

Teaching in Times of Crisis uses comparative methods to analyze the political environment before and after the 2016 US presidential election, and how the ethics of comparative reading can be used to foster cultural sustainability and maintain a healthy multicultural society.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 134 pages
\n Publication date: 21 January 2021
\n Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd
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Teaching in Times of Crisis delves into the profound role of comparative methods in unraveling the rich tapestry of literary works from diverse corners of the globe. Moreover, it offers invaluable tools for analyzing and engaging with the crises that permeate our contemporary political landscape. Written in the form of a series of classroom reflections, the book takes readers on a journey through the political environment preceding and following the 2016 US presidential election. It explores the ways in which the ethics of comparative reading can be harnessed by teachers and students alike to chart and nurture lifelines for cultural sustainability, akin to the concept of "memos from the besieged city" coined by Djelal Kadir.

Through comparative analyses of postcolonial films, LGBTQ texts, French slam poetry, and episodes from Star Trek: The Next Generation, among other materials, Nyawalo achieves this remarkable feat. The classroom reflections captured in each memo are intricately shaped by the Appalachian setting in which the discussions and lessons unfolded. Inspired by this unique backdrop, the author develops a pedagogic ethics of comparison, a method of reading comparatively that prioritizes the local educational spaces where students find themselves. By mapping the contested cultural politics of Appalachian realities onto a world literature curriculum, Nyawalo creates a framework for fostering understanding, empathy, and cultural resilience in the face of crises.

Teaching in Times of Crisis is a thought-provoking and transformative work that empowers educators and students alike to navigate the complexities of our globalized world with a deeper appreciation for the diverse voices and experiences that shape our collective history. It serves as a reminder that in times of crisis, the power of literature and comparative methods can be harnessed to build bridges of understanding and cultivate a more inclusive and resilient society.

\n Weight: 296g\n
Dimension: 143 x 223 x 15 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780367626754\n \n