Teaching the Rhetoric of Resistance

Analyzes diverse contemporary reactions to the depiction of the Holocaust and other cultural traumas in museums, movies, television shows, classroom discussions, and bestselling books. This work also describes several effective pedagogical strategies dedicated to overcoming student resistances to critical analysis and social engagement.

"Incisive and well written, Teaching the Rhetoric of Resistance focuses on the popular reception of the Holocaust and other cultural traumas and develops a pedagogy of resistance in order to promotecritical thinking,cultural tolerance, civic engagement, andindividual and collective responsibility. This is a must read for anyone interested in how to overcome students ideological preconceptions through an engaged, non-confrontational pedagogy." - Lynn Worsham, Professor of English, Illinois State and Editor, JAC

"This is a very, very smart and useful book for anyone interested in understanding the real complexity and power of education. Samuel s analysis of strategies that can talk through the embittered positions of polarized classroom discussions offers real hope for critical thinking in the twenty first century." - Marshall W. Alcorn Jr., Professor of English, George Washington University

"Arguing that prejudice and intolerance are the result of distorted thinking produced by four collective defense mechanisms, Teaching the Rhetoric of Resistance develops a ground-breaking pedagogical strategy for promoting social justice by helping students develop the ability to recognize and overcome these socially destructive defenses. This book will be essential reading not only for all teachers who are committed to social justice but also for all concerned citizens seeking to combat the irrationality and aggression that pervade our public discourse and public policy." - Mark Bracher, Professor and Director, Center for Literature and Psychoanalysis, Department of English, Kent State University

Robert Samuels is Lecturer, UCLA, Writing Programs.