Hairspray

There are certain films and shows that resonate with audiences everywhere-they generate discussion and debate about everything from gender, class, citizenship and race to consumerism and social identity. This new "teachable canon" of film and television introduces students to alternative classics that range from silent film to CSI.

• Hairspray's main character is a 300-pound actor and drag performer, Divine, who not only satirizes myths of gender and maternity, b...