February 8th, 2010
By Julia H. Jackson
I recently heard an interview with Keith Lowell Jensen, the self-described “atheist comedian” who tours with the Coexist Comedy Tour. Their tag line: “A Muslim, a Christian, a Hindu, a Jew, an Atheist and a Buddhist Walk Into a Bar.” Jensen describes their shtick as a volley of religious jokes and plays on identity, suggesting that perhaps “political correctness” is a form of comedy in and of itself. His troupe represents an increasing trend in comedy today—the tendency for comics to label themselves by a singular standout characteristic. Just what is comedy anyway? And what, if any, educational value might it have? Today we’re inviting five of our favorite comedians into the classroom, comics who are more than just funny; in many ways, they are historic. And yes, we’ll give you yet another reason to watch Comedy Central.
Chances are, if you are between 20-30 years old, the first things you think of when you hear Cosby’s name are jello and the celebrated Cosby Show. But Cosby’s repertoire goes back much further than that; this 1963 interview is a good snapshot of the underlying social issues that inspired his work. Cosby was the first African-American to co-star in a dramatic television series (I Spy), and his comedy albums have collected their fair share of notable awards, including five Grammys. Perhaps what is most revealing about his work is not his identity as a black man, nor his gentle approach to storytelling, but the wonderful way in which he blended the two in such a subtle, sometimes subversive way. Makes you want to eat some jello.
Mel Brooks (born Melvin Kaminsky) is, without a doubt, the true American renaissance man of the past century. He is perhaps most famous for his films (Blazing Saddles, Robin Hood: Men in Tights, Young Frankenstein, and his The Producers, which he made into a smash Broadway hit in 2001), but he is also a renowned comedy writer, director, producer, and, yes, actor. His recording of The 2000-Year-Old Man with Carl Reiner is a classic example of his ability to incorporate elements of his Jewish immigrant voice into the canon of popular comedy. And yet, he had funny things to say about Christianity, too, as you’ll see in this excerpt from his famous History of the World, Part 1.
Margaret Cho’s personality and comedic style reflects the setting and environment where she grew up: Haight Street, San Francisco, during the 1970s. She won her first comedy competition at 16, which gave her the opportunity to open for Jerry Seinfeld, and she hasn’t really stopped since. Not only has her stand-up and one-woman shows garnered international attention (she was named the Chief of the 2008 Mardi Gras Parade in Sydney, Australia), but her messages about cultural identity have earned her honors from GLAAD, the ACLU of Northern California, the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund, and American Women in Radio and Television. What makes her so smart? Her straight-talking style cuts through taboos on every level: she confronts racism, sexism, heterosexism, and xenophobia with a sense of humor that has, in many ways, set a precedent. Still not sure what we mean? Check out this clip, one of many featuring an impression of her Korean mother:
Janeane Garofalo is a comedian on a mission. She wants laughs, yes, but she also has an argument to make, and she’s going to find a compelling way to make it. Her film credits include The Truth About Cats and Dogs, Steal This Movie, and Reality Bites, as well as TV roles on The West Wing and 24. Garofalo is an outspoken political critic and engaged debater; in 2004 she helped found the progressive radio program Air America Radio, where she hosted the show “The Majority Report.” She was a frequent guest on national news and political talk shows during the Bush administration, thanks to her passion for honest media and her growing career as a peace activist. And yet, she has become the master of the devil’s advocate; check out this clip from her argument that money is not the root of all evil at the 2009 Melbourne International Comedy Festival’s Great Debate.
Eddie Izzard, long identified as Britain’s top “executive transvestite comedian,” has an established career both in the United Kingdom and in the United States. His stand-up includes Dress to Kill, Glorious, Sexie, and now Stripped; titles meant as pop facades for what his stories really are: eloquently-written, expertly-performed history lessons. Izzard is famous for his explanations of European history (“I’m from Europe, where history’s from…we’ve got castles!”), his in-depth satires of Noah’s Ark and the Anglican Church (“Welcome to the Church of England. Would you like cake or death?”), and his debunking of popular myths surrounding transvestites and sexuality (“Many male transvestites fancy women…we’re kind of like male lesbians”). For a taste of a classic Izzard history lesson, check out this fast summary of religious history in England.
The story of great comedy is still being written. This list represents a fraction of the truly smart comedians out there; we’ve left out so many obvious greats, such as Lenny Bruce, Richard Pryor, the Marx Brothers, Monty Python, Ellen DeGeneres, Gilda Radner, Eddie Murphy, Mike Birbiglia, Maria Bamford, and, who knows—you?
January 29th, 2010
by Julia H. Jackson
I saw the film L’Auberge Espagnole shortly before I made the decision to spend six months studying in Granada, Spain. The 2002 movie, which translates to “The Spanish Apartment,” follows a French grad student during his adventurous and life-changing year studying in Barcelona. I was considering taking on a Spanish minor, and knew that if I really wanted to master my language skills, I needed to invest in cultural immersion. Somehow, the idea of spending another six months filling out language workbooks in California wasn’t nearly as exciting as the prospect of actually having to survive in another language 24 hours a day, seven days a week, far from home. After a consultation with my academic counselor, I discovered that if I found the right program and the right university, I could fulfill requirements for my major and minor abroad. I marched to my university’s study abroad office, and stayed for an hour, mesmerized by the array of brilliantly colored brochures advertising foreign study programs. Where did I want to go? How much would it cost? Did I want to live with a host family? Did I want to go for a summer, a semester, or (gulp) a year?
Today, we’ll share 5 Programs that Sponsor International Study, while keeping in mind the criteria when considering foreign study programs. Namely: school accreditation, transferring academic credit, housing options, school financing, term lengths, language requirements…If you are considering studying abroad, you might start by perusing the following online resources.
Average grade level participant: undergraduate, graduate, post-doctoral, or professional
Average term length: varies, depending on the program, although usually between 6 months-one year
Average cost: varies, but the IIE has links to many government-sponsored programs, which can offer varying amounts of funding, depending on your field and level of experience
This organization is home to a variety of study- and work-abroad programs, and its study abroad portal is a comprehensive search engine for associated foreign study programs. The IIE is a great place to go to get information about prestigious fellowship programs, such as the Fulbright Scholarship, which offers funded trips for graduate students, teachers, and researchers. When in doubt, try stopping by one of their American offices, in San Francisco, Washington D.C., Houston, New York City, Denver, or Chicago.
Average age: 15-25 years old
Term length: short term (3-6 weeks) and long term (one year)
Average cost: participants pay for travel, clothing, and insurance
Famous for being the world’s “first service club organization,” Rotary International sends more than 8,000 students around the world each year as part of an international exchange. Students live with host families, attend local schools, and serve as cultural ambassadors. Rotary also hosts local community service clubs through Rotaract, as well as a teen exchange program called Interact.
Average age: high school, college, graduate, professional
Average term length: varies anywhere from one week to one year
Average cost: varies depending on the program
The CIEE website breaks down its offerings as “study,” “work,” “train,” “teach,” “hire,” “host,” and “connect.” This is a great way to browse international work and study programs, whether you are a high school student looking for an exchange abroad or a teacher wanting to participate in the International Faculty Development Seminars. A great resource not only for academics, but also for any recent college graduates considering a year teaching abroad. I enjoyed my semester in Spain so much that after completing my bachelor’s degree, I worked as a Language and Culture Assistant in southern Spain as part of their Teach Abroad program.
This website presents study abroad programs from around the world in a way that’s simple to navigate. If you have a specific idea country or field of interest in mind, the database will help you narrow down your options. It also summarizes the differences between major American study-abroad companies, such as the American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS), CEA Global Education, and Academic Programs International. Although there is less comprehensive financial aid information, IIEPassport does promote diverse offerings, and might help you if you are looking for a private company to work with.
Age, term length, and cost varies from program to program, although most of them listed are privately owned, so they are likely to be more expensive than government-sponsored exchanges.
1. Your University Study Abroad Office
The number of great study abroad programs out there can be overwhelming, and perhaps your main goal is to fulfill requirements for your degree. If that’s the case, a surefire way to insure that you get the right credit for the right classes is to go through your own university’s study abroad program. Most universities have partnerships with schools abroad, or may even have academic affiliations with departments in other countries. If that’s the case, go for it! If you plan to study in a non-English-speaking country, this may be the best bet, because it will often require you to take classes with other international students or non-Americans. Sound scary? It might be at first, but the immersion will do wonders for your speaking and comprehension skills!
If your school does not have a study abroad office, you can still get credit for going through other university programs. Make an appointment with your academic advisor to review the programs you are considering, and together you can map out a way to get credit for your classes abroad.
A few good examples of university programs include the University of California’s Education Abroad Program (EAP), Boston University International Programs and Arcadia University College of Global Studies.
If you could go anywhere, where would you go? What would you study? What would your Spanish apartment look like? We hope this is the first step in getting you to explore the world, if you haven’t already….
January 26th, 2010
by Julia H. Jackson
Last fall, Death Cab for Cutie musician Ben Gibbard and Son of Volt’s Jay Farrar released an album entitled “One Fast Move or I’m Gone: Music From Jack Kerouac’s Big Sur.” The duo wrote 12 songs inspired by Kerouac’s 1962 novel after creating the soundtrack for an accompanying documentary. The two musicians gave new life to Kerouac’s celebrated stream-of-consciousness storytelling by creating a new sound from his Beat rhythm. The album and film have gotten good press, in part because Gibbard and Farrar are skilled composers, and also because they are continuing the tradition of recreating stories in song. Perhaps, when a story is shared in one medium, and then reinvented in another a generation later, perhaps that is when the story becomes legend. Just what do we mean? Take a look at Artists for Literacy, a nonprofit that promotes literacy through artistic learning tools, and also happens to host an entire catalog of songs inspired from books. Today we bring you 5 Songs Inspired by Literature, and you’d be surprised by how many you’d recognize.
Book: Ghost World, by Daniel Clowes, which later became the 2001 film of the same name
Daniel Clowes’ 2000 graphic novel follows the story of Enid and Rebecca, inseparable high school graduates who don’t know how to approach impending adulthood. Instead, they first mock and then befriend an older man, who slowly pushes them further apart. Aimee Mann’s album Bachelor No.2 came out the same year, and her song of the same name captures the listlessness of shared adolescence: “So, I’m bailing this town, or– / tearing it down, or — / probably more / like hanging around.”
Book: Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley
Mary Shelley’s 1818 breakthrough novel Frankenstein is a cult classic; its blend of gothic and romantic tones, combined with its epistolary format and chilling humanity, give it a weight that few books have. It has been reincarnated many times, in many ways, but perhaps none quite so unique as Bob Dylan’s 1967 recording of “All Along the Watchtower.” The song, which like many of Dylan’s most famous, is usually attributed to parables from the Bible, but according to the Artists for Literacy project, there is a link between the song and the famous monster novel. Think about it: a cold 
winter evening, and two lost souls consider a dark horizon: “There are many here among us who feel that life is but a joke. / But you and I, we’ve been through that, and this is not our fate, / So let us not talk falsely now, the hour is getting late.” And, just as the evening is coming to a close, “two riders were approaching, and the wind began to howl.” Creepy…
Book: The Grapes of Wrath, by John Steinbeck
Bruce Springsteen earned the name “Boss” for a reason; not only is he heralded as the epitome of an American rock star, but his literary influences are just as American. Steinbeck’s 1939 novel follows the Joads, a family of sharecroppers from Oklahoma who go searching for a new life in California. Springsteen’s style is fitting for this archetypal American dream story; his interpretation of the working class struggle is almost as powerful as the journey of Joads: “Got a one-way ticket to the promised land /You got a hole in your belly and gun in your hand.”
The Ghost of Tom Joad, by Bruce Springsteen
2) “1984,” David Bowie
1984, George Orwell
Few things speak to the dystopian world of George Orwell’s Oceania in 1984 than the unnerving style of a young David Bowie. The 1949 novel is ruled by the totalitarian regime of The Party, which uses mind control and public surveillance to slowly destroy human civil liberties. What better way to recognize the book’s horror, and perhaps dark truth, than with Bowie’s macabre lyrics: “They’ll split your pretty cranium, and fill it full of air / And tell that you’re eighty, but brother, you won’t care.”
Hamlet, Shakespeare
Fiona Apple has taken one of Shakespeare’s most famous monologues from one of his most famous plays, and given it a throaty twentieth century twist. Hamlet, the Danish prince, asks the question “To sleep–perchance to dream: ay, there’s the rub, / For in that sleep of death what dreams may come / When we have shuffled off this mortal coil, / Must give us pause.” And while Apple is not contemplating murder, she does conjure up the emotion and power of a timeless moment: “I got my feet on the ground and I don’t go to sleep to dream. / You got your head in the clouds and you’re not at all what you seem. / This mind, this body, and this voice cannot be stifled by your deviant ways. / So don’t forget what I told you, don’t come around, I got my own hell to raise.”
Sleep to Dream, Fiona Apple
The relationship between music and books goes back a long way, perhaps even to the days before printing presses and publishing houses, when the act of storytelling was a vocal enterprise. Once you start to dissect popular music, you’ll see how many popular songs, and even albums, are based on great novels or devoted to well-known writers. Remember Green Day’s cult hit, “Basket Case?” Doesn’t that sound a bit like J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye? How about The Roots’ “Act Won: Things Fall Apart,” which is clearly a reference to Chinua Achebe’s most famous work? And for you rock fans—the Iron Maiden repertoire is replete with literary references: “The Lord of the Flies,” “Rime of the Ancient Mariner,” “Brave New World,” “Seventh Son of a Seventh Son.”
What do you think about this link between books and music? What’s missing from our list? Let us know what you think!
January 25th, 2010
By Amelia Anderson
Don't contemplate seeing a counselor... just see one!
No, they are not therapists or psychiatrists; they are guidance counselors who help guide students with their future goals. Although many students may think that a school counselor is going to be a drag or just a plain waste of their time, it is important for students to regularly visit their counselors to help themselves keep track of their career goals. Anytime a student needs to register for new classes, they should see their counselor beforehand. So few students take advantage of the help that a counselor can provide for them, and yet without these counselors, it is easy for students to fall off the right track or take a longer rout in getting to graduation. Here are some noteworthy reasons why every student should visit his or her school counselor.
They Help You Avoid Unnecessary Classes
It is easy to look at the description of a class and feel that it would be a lot of fun to take, but it may or may not be beneficial to the requirements of your major. It is also very common for students to take classes they think are required for their graduation, but later find that those classes served no purpose. To avoid wasting your time and possibly you money, take the time to see your guidance counselor and save yourself a lot of trouble. Your counselor can give you a layout of what is required for your degree and can help you stay on track for the rest of the school year.
Counselors Help with Career Goals
Your counselor is your best resource for giving you information on the kinds of classes or even internships you should be taking in order to pursue your dream career. And, if for some reason your particular counselor cannot answer questions about the career you are interested, then he or she can probably direct you to someone who can. All in all, asking your guidance counselor about what you need to look into for your future job is beneficial.
They Keep Your Status Realistic
So many students feel that they can depend on themselves to keep track of their requirements, and think they know the best way to plan out their education. But, on realistic terms, your counselor is the best person to ask if your plans are capable of taking fruition. Counselors can give you a time-table of how long or short your goals may be. They can let you know how much work is required for particular classes, and whether it is wise to take six classes that may completely drain you of time and energy. If you are interested in adding a minor to your degree or taking some extracurricular classes like painting when your major is in math, ask your counselor whether your hopes will ruin your graduation plans. Your counselor can tell you whether or not any extra classes would be beneficial to your degree. I once thought a particular literature course would delay my graduation, but my counselor found that the class could actually count as necessary credits for my graduation.
Counselors Help Find What Interests You
There are plenty of students who have no idea what they want to do with their lives, but even if you are that kind of student, do not feel discouraged. Counselors are meant to help students with that problem, too. High school students, in particular, are usually at a loss when it comes to figuring out what they want to do for the rest of their lives. A counselor will have discussions with you to help you figure out what you want to do with your life and how education can help you fulfill your dreams. Of course, college students can benefit from this, too. Your counselor can help you go over your current interests and let you know what your career options are.
Counselors Can Be Supportive
Having a supportive person who is friendly and concerned about your future comes in handy while you earn your education, which is another thing that a good counselor can provide. Let’s face it, sometimes being a student is a struggle. But, having people around you who support your hard work and efforts act as encouragement. It can motivate you to continue studying as hard and as strong as you can. I remember an old friend of mine in high school who had no idea what he wanted to do after graduation, so his counselor took it upon himself to help my friend and spend time with him to try and figure out what my friend’s interests really were. Not all counselors will have that same spare time for you, but the idea is that your counselor is there to support you.
January 22nd, 2010
By Julia H. Jackson
Maybe you are familiar with the writing major’s curse: once the semester ends, and there are no looming deadlines or in-class essays, your motivation to write suddenly shrinks. It’s a bit of a paradox, really, because there are few students who long for homework assignments, and yet the regularity of a school schedule does insure productivity. But what happens when classes end, and you sit down to a blank page or a glaring computer screen, only to realize that you have no idea what to write? Today we suggest 5 Ways to Write Outside of Class, ideas that hopefully will rev your creative engine, and, who knows, beef up your resume while you’re at it.
5. Journalism and Media Internships
Whether you are a diehard poet or a regular blogger, your interest in writing already makes you stand out as a potential journalist. Although many say that the era of print journalism is dying out, some skills, such as pitching stories, interviewing subjects, and working under deadline, are universal in any medium. Regardless if you live in a bustling metropolitan hub or a small college town, there is always a reliable news source nearby. Some independent corporations offer internships in specialized fields, such as The Kaiser Family Foundation’s Media Internships in Health Reporting , while most newspaper chains such as The Washington Post have regular, term-length internship programs.
Even if a paper or organization doesn’t advertise an internship program, it never hurts to ask. Many small news organizations and publications rely on a small staff, and might offer to train you if volunteer your services.
4. Volunteer at Your Local Theater
This is a great opportunity for future Tony Kushners and Suzan-Lori Parkses . Sometimes the best way to become a better writer is to expose yourself to as much as possible: drama, comedy, one-acts, solo performances, dance, music, and community theater. Many theaters host rotating theatrical seasons, or might feature celebrated playwrights or artists-in-residence. Prominent theaters, such as the Actor’s Theatre of Louisville, Kentucky, offer internships in everything from dramaturgy to education to acting. If you’re not certain yet what kind of theater interests you the most, you can always volunteer as an usher, which, as I’ve been told, is a great way to get free theater tickets.
3. Become a Tutor
For many people, the best way to learn is to teach, because it reinforces what they already know. Many elementary and middle schools may need counselors for after-school activities, or might offer tutoring workshops for kids in specialized areas. Some university programs, such as the College of Creative Studies at UC Santa Barbara, offer arts programs for local kids, and rely on a young staff to help teach fun classes such as poetry, photography, and painting. Smaller schools might also offer opportunities to work as a teaching assistant, which is a valuable experience for potential teachers.
2. Check out Your Local Radio Station
Many college radio stations reserve time slots for beginner deejays and novice news producers. If you are interested in digital media or the music industry, radio is a great place to start. Prominent National Public Radio member stations, such as KQED in San Francisco, WNYC in New York, and WBEZ in Chicago, often accept interns and volunteers on a rolling basis. Smaller stations, such as San Francisco’s KALW, produce local news programs and often train volunteers how to report, as well as how to engineer audio. If anything, the opportunity to weave writing skills into serving your community always looks good on your resume.
1. Join a Writing Workshop
I know what you’re thinking—another class? Writing workshops aren’t exactly equivalent to classes, although they can be if you want them to. Many communities host writing classes and clubs through social organizations, and some site-specific courses, such as San Francisco’s Writing Salon or New York City’s Gotham Writing Workshop, are popular. Or, you can start your own group—why not? Gather a group of friends, set up a writing schedule, and make time to swap stories and offer feedback.
Writing, unlike, say, medicine, isn’t a craft that must be studied chronologically in order to be understood. Therein lies the inherent dilemma: how can one seemingly absorb all the skills necessary to be a successful writer while maintaining an original style and personality? We hope that our 5 Ways to Write Outside Class have offered some insight into the world of writing beyond school.
What gets you to write? Share your tips with us!
