TEACHING DYSTOPIA: A Spotlight for Juxtaposition [S7 EP. 273]

teaching-dystopia-with-juxtaposition

Listen to the full episode below:

Have you ever felt like dystopia is the genre that just keeps on giving? We sure do. In part two of our dystopia series, we’re zeroing in on the most essential skills that make this genre come alive in your classroom. Forget trying to cover every single concept; this episode is all about focusing on the moves that matter most. We’re making the case that depth (think juicy conversations and real analysis) always beats breadth when it comes to helping students think critically and engage meaningfully.

We’re also exploring how teaching students to notice author moves, like juxtaposition, can transform their analysis. Whether your students are following Katniss or Montag, this skill helps them see how authors build tension, develop themes, and craft powerful contrasts, all while keeping analysis at the heart of your unit. Our message? Keep it simple, stay focused, and let a little boredom spark big creativity.

Already dreaming up your next dystopia adventure? Hang tight, because our next episode is packed with new text recommendations and practical ideas to breathe new life into your curriculum!

PS: Did you miss the first episode in this series? Listen to episode 272 here!

topics discussed:

  • Why dystopia is an ever-relevant genre for classroom conversations, resonating with both teachers and students

  • The role of essential questions in guiding analysis and driving engagement in dystopian units

  • Key literary skills: characterization, character arc, setting, and theme - and how to align them to meaningful assessments

  • Emphasis on juxtaposition as an anchor skill for studying dystopia, with practical tips for building depth over breadth

  • Strategies for streamlining dystopia units by maintaining focus and avoiding curriculum overload

  • A reminder that boredom is a good thing (and necessary for development!)

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More about Brave New Teaching:

Join hosts Amanda Cardenas (Mud & Ink Teaching) and Marie Morris (The Caffeinated Classroom) in discussions about being brave, trying new things, and all things teaching! As seasoned classroom teachers, Amanda and Marie bring their experience, insight, energy, and oh, so many opinions and ideas... It's time for all teachers to take their classroom and teaching practice into their own hands!

Tune in on your favorite podcast apps like Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and Spotify.

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