No living American satirist has pushed the limits of satire--perhaps the most extreme form of expression that society has tolerated--further than Garry Trudeau, who draws the comic strip "Doonesbury." Newspaper editors regularly pull the strip, alter it, or accompany it with a disclaimer when they think it is unfair or libelous. And the…

The potential for computers in indexing popular fiction study materials is discussed, and specific examples of comic book indexing are provided through descriptions of projects and a bibliography. The 4-stage evolutionary development of popular fiction studies includes: (1) discovery and reading; (2) bibliography and collecting; (3) cataloging and…

This article provides bibliographic information and annotations for 13 folk tales, fables, and spoofs of folk tales. The items are felt to appeal to the quick wit of bright young students, and the adaptations of tales to other times and places acquaint students with history and culture. (JDD)

Explains that published parodies frequently give rise to copyright violation litigation. Reviews leading court decisions on the subject. Offers guidelines for using parody in entertainment, social commentary, or advertising. Describes a study unit on parody for a college magazine journalism class. (SG)

Parody is a form of imitation with the added elements of comedic twists, turns, and exaggerations. To create a parody of something, one has to understand it before beginning to alter it for humorous effect. Parodies are used by teachers of writing, music, and art as a method of educating and evaluating students' understanding of the styles of the…

This article discusses the participatory potential of YouTube, a social website that allows users to upload, view, and share video clips. The author provides examples of how YouTube was incorporated into a course as part of a "mosh-pit" pedagogy that involved both students and teachers in engaging with a variety of YouTube videos.

The hybrid music of the group "Kid Creole and the Coconuts" shows traces of every popular music style that has aroused New York City during the past 40 years--big band swing, Latin dance music, calypso, reggae, disco, funk, soul, rock, and movie pop. The fictitious characters the members of the band assume on stage, together with their…

This study presents the third of four reports of the 1970-71 National Assessment of Literature. The educational attainments of nine-year-olds, thirteen-year-olds, seventeen-year-olds, and adults (ages 26-35) were surveyed according to their ability to recognize literary works and characters. Five types of exercises were used: (1) an illustration…

Advocates that the antiquated "current traditional paradigm" prevalent in the teaching of writing be conquered by the C-Team, a group of four fighters for justice whose mission is to defend the "new paradigm" against violations. (NKA)

Explains how the use of parody can improve students' writing and add more zest, zing, and vigor to their writing style. (HOD)

Because of the historical influence of religion in the national life and personal lives of many American citizens and the interplay between religious and national affairs in public discourse, it is useful to study the secular media for its portrayal of religion as news or as value system. A study describes the nature of commentary on religion by…