One Does Not Simply Teach Context: So Do it With Memes!
Session Abstract
This presentation demonstrates an innovative way to emphasize the importance of understanding cultural and historical context in the college classroom. Originally implemented in an ENGL 101 course at the University of South Carolina, this activity uses popular internet memes that require some knowledge of cultural or historical context in order to “get” the joke or the message. Students will break each meme down into its parts and determine not only what context is required for each, but how the message changes if part of the context is missing. This activity is highly adaptable for use across the disciplines in guiding students toward a deeper understanding of the significance of context in their speaking and writing. Participants will have an opportunity to discuss and interact with memes during the presentation and will leave with examples of memes that work well for this activity as well as a printable guideline for students to use.
One Does Not Simply Teach Context: So Do it With Memes!
This presentation demonstrates an innovative way to emphasize the importance of understanding cultural and historical context in the college classroom. Originally implemented in an ENGL 101 course at the University of South Carolina, this activity uses popular internet memes that require some knowledge of cultural or historical context in order to “get” the joke or the message. Students will break each meme down into its parts and determine not only what context is required for each, but how the message changes if part of the context is missing. This activity is highly adaptable for use across the disciplines in guiding students toward a deeper understanding of the significance of context in their speaking and writing. Participants will have an opportunity to discuss and interact with memes during the presentation and will leave with examples of memes that work well for this activity as well as a printable guideline for students to use.
