Popular culture is not just a passing phrase; it is a means to understanding the past, the present and the future. From the works of Shakespeare to the making of the movie matrix, there are depictions of popular culture all around us. It is only with proper instruction from the dedicated professors in our various colleges that make us truly appreciate its value. Their sacrifice is our fortune.
In a recently reviewed article entitled “Is Community College Teaching the Road to Nowhere” (Bartholome, 2006), Lynn Bartholome discusses the struggles and rewards of teaching popular culture in a community college. The article is written about the struggles in teaching to such a diverse age range and cultural background that is often encountered in community colleges. The article is written to the professional audience, not just collegiate student audience but also the faculty. This article serves to enlighten us with new teaching methods to engage students and inform us of the benefits of community colleges and a job well done.
Professor Bartholome states that when she decided to leave her tenured status at her college to pursue teaching at a local community college, her colleagues thought she was “committing professional suicide.” (Bartholome, 2006) They advised her that she would never be able to come back and that “A community college teaching job is the road to nowhere.” (Bartholome, 2006)
Ms Bartholome brings to the forefront some of the many benefits of working for and teaching at community colleges. She points out that community colleges are less costly than traditional four year colleges and they have a diverse student base. Ms. Bartholome also expresses her opinion and that community colleges are a great alternative to at least the first couple of years of a college students endeavors, not only because of the substantial cost savings but also because the cost savings come without the sacrifice of quality.
When teaching at a community college professors are faced with a large student base. The base is as diverse as it is large and you can have wide sweeping cultural deviations as well as large age ranges. One of the toughest components then is how to make popular culture interesting and interactive to everyone so they can learn and recognize the values of learning about their environment. One way in which this challenge is faced by Professor Bartholome is by utilizing everyday items that a large segment of her classes already interact with, mostly without even thinking of it in a popular cultural context. An example of this approach she uses is the watching of the Jerry Springer show. At the end of the show, it is analyzed for its contextual aspects. One of the most important aspects of the show that is analyzed is the closing of the show when “Jerry sits on a stool and preaches his “Moral” to the home audience.” (Bartholome, 2006) The point of this analysis is to point out the impacts that media and cultural history have had on modern entertainment. This helps to tie the old and the new of popular culture together and bring home the global aspects of its impact. Professor Bartholome comments that “learners who become savvy about mass media develop an equivalent understanding of information-based economy.” (Bartholome, 2006) She pushes forward with her pursuit of educating her students by presenting them with an encompassing approach that interacts with all of their senses to learn as much as they can about the popular culture of today and yesterday.
This article presents some very good points. More often than not, too much emphasis is placed on where we obtain our educations. Employers may look more favorable on a college graduate from Ohio State as opposed to one from Columbus Community. This is the same type of stereotypical prejudice that we have all seen time and time again with famous people who are only famous because of their name, i.e. Paris Hilton. Whether you obtain your education at a four year college or a two year college, the desires, struggles and successful outcomes are the same. However the cost is much different. For those who have the true desire to teach, there is no road to nowhere.
Bibliography
Bartholome, L. (2006). Guest Editorial: Is Community College Teaching the Road to Nowhere? The Journal of Popular Culture , 39 (1), 5-9.
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This article was very interesting. I was very surprised to find out that even professors put labels on community colleges. I work with several people that attend Columbus State, and that college may be cheaper, but the amount of classes you have to take is much greater than that of a private college, or even state college. I think you did a great job summarizing the article while also giving your opinion regarding the topic.
ReplyDeleteI think you did a great job with this article. It seems like many people tend to think that Community Colleges are easier than four year colleges and I disagree. I think they are the same if not more difficult. It was great to read a professors point of view on the subject.
ReplyDeleteI thought that this was a wonderful article. I attended a community college in the past and received some flack for it from some of my former co-workers. They had all went to a four year university right out of high school and thought that that is the only was to get a quality education. Great job on your article
ReplyDeleteGreat job on your article analysis, and very interesting. I too attended a community college I thought it was a great experience I learned alot. I think the community college can and will set the stage for a greater learning experience if one choses to further ones education at any University.
ReplyDeleteExcellent post. I too attended a community college. In fact, my associate's degree is in Metrology and there are only three schools in the US that offer this program and they are all community colleges.
ReplyDeleteI feel the education students can receive at a community college it tremendous. The diversity of the students can help with the learning process; having students that have been out in the field and those just out of high school and expand the learning process.
Teaching does seem like it will be a reward withnin itself, just being able to help or contribute to some one's learning is a beautiful gift and honorable. Some people don't understand that sometimes giving is the greatest gift on earth, I belive it is now that I'm older and understand. Inner reflects outer, and vice versa; whenever you give to someone you give to yourself at the same time.
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