NYT Learning Network: Analyzing Sitcoms as Cultural Texts

[Frank W. Baker]

What can television sitcoms teach us? In this lesson, students investigate the claim recently made in The New York Times that new hit sitcoms are proof that “we’ve reached the End of Comedy.” They watch sitcoms with a critical eye and ultimately choose a writing project that demonstrates a close viewing that treats the shows like literary texts. Go to Lesson plan.

[Dianna Morton]

One of my grabber ML activities is viewing a Simpsons episode on HULU-- to be sure there is zero manipulation-- I always let students choose any episode-- I then give them a chart to respond to-- what do the male bodied characters say do think? The female bodied characters? Characters of color (non-yellow)? Without fail-- we see. Now, I will read your post! dianna