From Text to Epitext: Expanding Students' Comprehension, Engagement, and Media Literacy

by Shelbie Witte (Editor), Melissa Gross (Editor), Don Latham (Editor), Teri S. Lesesne (Foreword by)

Overview

Beginning with an introduction that briefly explains Genette's theory of paratext and discusses the functions of epitext theory, this book comprises theory-to-practice chapters that showcase ways in which teachers and librarians can use elements independent of a text to discuss texts and media with students. Chapters include a practitioner's section specifying practical approaches and explanations for how to use epitext.

Scaffolding an application of theory to practice, this title provides educators with an original approach to increasing literacy engagement and integration as well as for increasing media literacy and critical thinking. It includes practical ideas for using epitext in the classroom to promote critical thinking and for collaboration between teachers and librarians. It also includes editorial sidebars that provide additional "how-to" ideas, support deep thinking, make connections to relevant content in other chapters, and provide examples for students in K–16 classrooms.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781440877506
Publisher:	ABC-CLIO, Incorporated
Publication date:	03/02/2021
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	197
File size:	6 MB

About the Author

Shelbie Witte, PhD, is Chuck and Kim Watson Endowed Chair and professor of adolescent literacy and English education at Oklahoma State University.

Melissa Gross, PhD, is professor in the School of Information at Florida State University and past president of the Association for Library and Information Science Education (ALISE).

Don Latham, PhD, is professor in the School of Information at Florida State University. He has served as a board member of the Association for Library and Information Science Education (ALISE).

Table of Contents

Foreword Teri S. Lesesne vii

Introduction: The Functions of Epitext Shelbie Witte Don Latham Melissa Gross ix

Part 1 Epitext and Comprehension

Chapter 1 Epitext and Young Adult Fiction: A Case Study of Piecing Me Together Melissa Gross Zoe Leonarczyk 3

Chapter 2 Epitextual Analysis of Biographies: Enhancing Disciplinary Literacy Sharon Kane Deborah Heiligman 19

Chapter 3 Incorporating Epitext Through a Layered-Literacies Approach: Revisiting the Study of Maus Luke Rodesiler Eric Federspiel 31

Chapter 4 Learning Through Fan Fiction: Remix and Extension with Narrative Writing Tyler C. Sisco 43

Part II Epitext and Critical Thinking

Chapter 5 Laurie Halse Anderson's Wintergirls Epitexts: A Hard Book to Read but Worth Every Tear James Blasingame 61

Chapter 6 Critically Analyzing Black Female YA Speculative Fiction Alongside Author-Produced Epitext S. R. Toliver 79

Chapter 7 Fostering Diverse Learners' Comprehension and Critical Thinking Through Epitext Loren Jones Sharon L. Smith Luciana C. de Oliveira 91

Part III Epitext and Media

Chapter 8 Creating Epitext and Intertext Perspectives with Mary Poppins Returns Margaret Mackey 105

Chapter 9 Applying Media Literacy to Promotional Epitexts: Are They Selling Molasses, Falafels, or Books? Shanedra D. Nowell 119

Chapter 10 Epitext in the CTE Classroom: Embracing Audiovisual Technology and Film Classrooms as Spaces for Developing Literacy Skills W. Kyle Jones 131

Part IV Epitext and Digital Spaces

Chapter 11 Critically Exploring Video Games and Their Epitexts: "I Never Thought Like This Before" Brady Nash 147

Chapter 12 Role-Playing as Epitextual Analysis: Evidence-Based Guidelines and Considerations for Facilitating Online Game-Based Role-Playing for Librarians and Teachers Jonathan M. Hollister 161

Chapter 13 Binary Texts Challenge Epitext: Robot Poems, or Poem Robots? Katie Henry Bud Hunt 177

Index 187

About the Editors and Contributors 193

Editorial Reviews

06/01/2021

In this thought-provoking collection, editors and academics Witte, Gross, and Latham explore epitexts, or elements outside of a text, such as author interviews, book blogs, and tweets. Building on the work of scholar Gérard Genette, the editors demonstrate how epitexts offer a more complete reading experience, resulting in a higher degree of comprehension, engagement, and critical thinking. Examining specific works and their epitexts (such as Laurie Halse Anderson's Wintergirls, Dhonielle Clayton's The Belles, and Art Spiegelman's Maus), contributors explain how educators could use the epitext to enhance the understanding of a particular work. In addition to examining YA fiction, biographies, and fan fiction, the authors consider media such as movies, video games, and game-based role-play. Incorporating epitexts into the teaching of books and media provides an excellent opportunity for teachers and librarians to collaborate. Librarians would be able to curate the epitext, teach students how to evaluate primary source material, or design authentic research experiences, while the teacher focuses on the work itself. VERDICT Recommended for secondary English teachers and librarians who seek to provide a rich and engaging reading experience.—Laura Fields Eason, Danville H.S., KY

School Library Journal