Book excerpt: English studies today are driven by demanding curriculum, but this need is often met with unenthusiastic students. “Fun” work—like movie days or projects—is often seen as what to do after the real work is finished. But what if instructors could blend the two pieces together more effectively, motivating students with interesting material while still achieving curriculum goals? This text attempts to fuse the pieces in to a cohesive philosophy. Yin and Yang in the English Classroom: Teaching With Popular Culture Texts is designed to provide college professors and high school teachers with both halves they need to tackle the job of teaching students literature and writing skills: theoretical foundations of, and practical applications for, the modern classroom. In addition to theory and research, each chapter also offers ready-to-use activities and projects that can be immediately brought into the classroom. Whether you’re new and need a guide to begin your journey as a teacher, or you’re experienced and want to add some spice to your classroom, this text can offer new ways to fold popular culture effectively into your teaching toolbox. Other key features of this book include: Clear, easy-to-read sections for each chapter, including a Review of Current Literature and Classroom Connections Student-centered solutions to increase engagement with popular culture and technology Step-by-step plans for taking the activities from the page to the classroom easily