Education Library

From Starfleet Academy to Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters, popular culture is filled with learning institutions of all shapes and sizes, and real world schools are bridging the gap between the fictional and factual as a result. Teaching guides for various science fiction and fantasy franchises have likewise been published in recent years, as well explorations into the ways that science and history have influenced numerous narratives – expanding the possibilities of popular culture as a learning tool in the process.

Buffy in the Classroom

A collection of essays explores the ways that the television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer has been used in college classrooms, including freshman introductory courses and seminars.

Exploring Science Through Science Fiction

Barry Luokkala, a teaching professor at Carnegie Mellon University, uses science fiction to teach factual science, both in the classroom and through a paperback textbook available to the public.

Fandoms in the Classroom

Karis Jones and Scott Storm argue for a student-centered model of teaching that incorporates fandoms and the popularity of Comic Cons as opposed to the traditional teacher-centered method.

Integrating Pop Culture Into the Academic Library

Librarians from across the country explain the ways pop culture can be used in the library, from teaching how to conduct academic research to making pop culture part of a library’s collections.

Red Dead’s History

History professor Tore Olsson launched a college course in 2021 that used popular video game Red Dead Redemption to explore U.S. history, then wrote a book based on the class afterwards.

Set Phasers to Teach

The collection of essays discuss the various ways that the science fiction franchise Star Trek can be used in college classrooms, including within fields that might not be immediately evident.

Teaching with the Beatles

The rock band has found their way into colleges and universities around the world in classes not only about their music but their influence on the 1960s and the history of the decade as well.

Teaching with Comics and Graphic Novels

High school social studies teacher Tim Smyth shares his extensive knowledge of using comics in the classroom in a 2023 overview of his personal teaching methods and tips for fellow teachers.

Teaching History with Popular Media

Professor Chad William Timm of Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa, discusses ways that music, graphic narratives, and movies can be effectively incorporated into the history classroom.

Teaching Public Administration with Pop Culture

Associate professors Erin Borry and Peter Jones discuss ways that pop culture can be used in the public administration classroom, with special focus on the television series Parks and Recreation.