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"The Simpsons" in Year 8?

14 replies

Strix · 20/07/2010 14:54

What do you think? I think I'd sign that petition... and then see what else the school was up of which i might not approve.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-somerset-10697272

OP posts:
claricebeansmum · 20/07/2010 14:59

If the school is getting the grades then leave them to it - they know what they are doing.

DS regularly refers to Simpsons for Philosophy!

mayorquimby · 20/07/2010 16:02

I would have thought the most successful tv-show of all-time (or at least the longest running at one point) which is a cultural phenomenon and for a time was one of the most cutting edge satires would be perfect for a media module.
In fact I'd question the parents assertion that midsummer nights dream is de facto stronger material when surely the Simpsons can rely on relevance for a media studies module.

StayFrosty · 20/07/2010 16:07

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Message withdrawn at poster's request.

MathsMadMummy · 20/07/2010 16:07

if it's not to the exclusion of more 'proper' stuff then fine, I suppose.

like in music lessons, nothing wrong with studying pop/rock etc, but I'd be really disappointed if they didn't study classical as well.

DH and I were pretty pissed off when we found out that his DDs had been shown an episode of Family Guy in a year 7 class! We love FG, have all the DVDs but hello, they were only 11!

Butterbur · 20/07/2010 16:25

DSs' school uses occasional episodes of the Simpsons in RS lessons, as a prompt to discuss moral issues. I think it's a great idea, and really engages the boys in the lessons.

On the other hand, a six week English course on the Simpsons seems excessive, and anti-intellectual. I don't see anything remarkable about use of AMERICAN English in the Simpsons to warrant so much discussion.

Decorhate · 20/07/2010 16:30

I understand that one of the GCSE History modules covers the influence of Elvis Presley on 1950s America.... I'm not sure modern history even went up to the 1950s in my day!

mayorquimby · 20/07/2010 16:39

Depends on what is focussed on really as it's a media module.
As far as modern media goes if they're showing episodes of the Simpsons from anywhere between season 4-10 it's possible that it's far from anti-intellectual as it was one of the smartest main stream shows of the time.It could be used of a clear example of how a text/film can deal with over-arching themes of religion and philosophy for adults with plenty of "in-jokes" while also visually engaging a younger audience and providing slapstick comedy so as to maximise it's potential audience. It could be used to show how time and time again satires which mock the society of the time often end up being praised and copied by the very groups it mocks and show the influence of mainstream media.
As for the language aspect it may only be a jumping off point or it may be used to show how Americanisms and the rhythym of their use of language has been absorbed by British culture and is now the norm for many. Surely American English has far more relevance to modern UK English and it's use in a media course than the Shakespearian english that the father in the article is championing.

As I say without knowing the exact content of the course it's impossible to judge, but the complainent in that article sounds reactionary and seems to be complaining on the basis that it's a cartoon rather than anything else.

PixieOnaLeaf · 20/07/2010 17:04

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ravenAK · 20/07/2010 23:16

I teach this unit; at least, I imagine I do, as there's a version of it in a popular textbook.

Our version has been somewhat tweaked - which is something English Departments tend to do! - to address the needs of APP.

The assessed piece of work is a rather structured essay entitled 'How is humour used in the episode Homer Badman?'.

The specific assessment criteria require students to discuss the different types of comedy used & evaluate their effectiveness, & also to relate the text to social/cultural context (the portrayal of celebrities in the media, American v. British attitudes to scandal, & specifically hypocritical responses & how the media can manipulate them).

It's a good unit of work. Students are learning about multiple layers of meaning in a text, which is absolutely essential for GCSE. In fact, our ongoing misgiving as a Dept. has been in finding ways for weaker students to access the task.

It's currently (our version that is) having a major overhaul by one of my colleagues, because the key episode requires too much 'back history' on the Clinton/Lewinsky scandal: it's all a little bit dated!

But the complainant, I suspect, needs to take a proper look at the programme of study before getting out of his pram to start a petition, ffs.

kayah · 20/07/2010 23:26

thanks for that explanation, it all makes perfect sense

ravenAK · 20/07/2010 23:35

If that's a sarcastic , I'm sorry, I de-mob for the summer tomorrow & I'm probably not making much sense at ALL!

It's definitely not an 'anti-intellectual' unit, though. Using an engaging text does not necessarily mean we just watch videos before having a lazy discussion about how the language is a bit different.

That would be our Shakespeare teaching approach.

(Not really!)

kayah · 20/07/2010 23:47

not at all sarcastic
sorry if it came across as such

I am all for making things interesting and engaging little angels in their learning

mayorquimby · 21/07/2010 09:59

What an episode too.
Almost perfect for a media studies module too given the media reaction etc in the story.
Kent Brockmans heat camera part is exceptional as is the 60 minutes sketch.

chimchar · 21/07/2010 10:09

i work in a school for ebd teenage boys. getting them to engage with work is an effort....we often use the simpsons as a starting point...we did a brilliant unit of work based on why is homer a good or bad father....it was used really sucessfully as a tool for opening up all kinds of discussions, morals, opinions etc...

when you use subjects that pupils can relate well to, and are familiar with, those who find work difficult and a chore are suddenly excited by the concept of being involved and having a valid opinion on something which they actually know about!

although i suspect i'm preaching to the converted here!

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