Teaching Peace Through Popular Culture

Edited by:
Laura L. Finley, Barry University
Joanie Connors, Western New Mexico University
Barbara Wien, American University

A volume in the series: Peace Education. Editor(s): Laura L. Finley, Barry University.

Published 2015

Authored by scholars from a variety of disciplines, including English, Theology, Philosophy, Communications, Sociology, Humanities and Peace Studies, this edited volume provides detailed descriptions of the many ways popular culture can be used to teach peace.

Chapters discuss documentary and feature film, music, television, literature and more, providing both educators and the general public with a timely and useful tool. From popular dystopian novels like The Hunger Games to feature films like The Matrix to modern rap and hip-hop music, contributors not only provide critical analysis of the violence in popular culture but also an assessment of how the same or alternate forms can be used by peace educators. Additionally, each chapter project synopses and teaching ideas, as well as recommended resources.

CONTENTS
Acknowledgments and Dedication. Introduction, Laura Finley. Using Film to Illustrate Theories of Violence and Nonviolence, Dean J. Johnson. Film as a Force for Peace: Documentaries and Classic Movies, Ellen Lindeen. Popular Film and Peace Studies: Conscientization In and Through Film, Mike Klein. Transcending Difference: The Power of Contemporary Films for Teaching Inter-Religious Dialogue and Peacebuilding, Nicole L. Johnson. Gender and Homelessness: The Search for Justice in Popular Culture and Film, Geoffrey Bateman. Teaching Interpersonal Peace Through Popular Culture, Joanie V. Connors. Challenging Militarism Through Young Adult Dystopian Literature: Using The Hunger Games Trilogy to Teach Peace and Justice, Laura Finley and Dianna Bellian. Creative Combinations in Peace Education: The Use of Collage and Poetry in Teaching, Researching, and Practicing Peace, Robin Cooper, Sheryl Chatfield, Elizabeth Holden, and Kelly Macias. Teaching About Peace Icons Using Pop Icons, Brandon Fryman. Peaceful Everyday Encounters: Literacy, Community Engagement, and First-Year Programs, Kelly Concannon. Raging Against the Machine: Examining Music That Examines Structural and Institutional Violence, Laura Finley. Dreaming of a White Future: The Portrayal of Race in Science Fiction Films, Victor Romano. The Importance of Storytelling for Peacebuilding in Postconflict States, Jan Stewart, Marc Kuly, Betty Ezati, and Jody Lynn McBrien. Conclusion: New Avenues and Resources for Teaching Peace Through Popular Culture, Joanie V. Connors and Laura Finley. About the Authors.