Balancing Literary and Non-Literary Texts in the Classroom
The IB Diploma Programme (DP) Language and Literature course is designed to challenge students to engage with a diverse range of texts, including both literary and non-literary works. However, striking the right balance between these two categories can be a challenge for many teachers. Should we focus more on classic novels and poetry, or should we integrate advertisements, opinion pieces, and digital media? How can we ensure that students develop critical thinking and analytical skills across different forms of communication? Here are some creative strategies to help DP Language and Literature teachers effectively balance literary and non-literary texts in their classrooms.
1. Theme-Based Pairings
Rather than treating literary and non-literary texts as separate entities, pair them thematically. For example, when studying George Orwell’s 1984, introduce political propaganda posters or news articles about government surveillance. This approach allows students to analyze how different mediums convey similar messages, fostering comparative thinking and a deeper understanding of context.
2. Media Remix Projects
Encourage students to transform literary works into non-literary texts and vice versa. For example, after reading a poem, students could create a digital infographic that visually represents its themes, tone, and structure. Alternatively, they could rewrite a newspaper editorial as a dramatic monologue. This not only enhances their analytical skills but also deepens their appreciation for textual adaptation and multimodal storytelling.
3. Real-World Connections
Use current events and trending media to connect classroom readings to the real world. If students are studying a Shakespearean tragedy, introduce news reports or personal essays about modern-day tragedies. If they’re analyzing a TED Talk, link it to a relevant short story or play. Making these connections helps students see the relevance of literature in contemporary society and strengthens their engagement.
4. Comparative Rhetorical Analysis
Teach students to analyze the rhetoric of different text types. For example, compare the persuasive strategies used in a political speech with those in a novel’s soliloquy. Discuss how a feature article and a short story each build an argument, construct character, and appeal to their audiences. These exercises highlight the similarities and differences in textual communication and enhance students’ critical literacy skills.
5. Interactive Debates
Use debates to encourage students to articulate the significance of different text types. Assign teams to argue whether a particular non-literary text (such as a documentary or a social media campaign) is as impactful as a classic novel or poem. This fosters critical engagement and forces students to justify their analytical perspectives, reinforcing the importance of diverse textual forms.
6. Digital Literacy Integration
Incorporate digital and visual texts such as memes, YouTube videos, podcasts, and social media posts. These texts engage students in discussions about tone, bias, audience, and purpose—key components of the DP Language and Literature course. Analyzing these non-traditional texts alongside canonical works allows students to appreciate the evolving nature of communication.
7. Creative Writing Challenges
Encourage students to write in both literary and non-literary styles. After analyzing a novel’s style, students could attempt to write a newspaper report on an event from the book. Alternatively, after studying a persuasive advertisement, they could create a short story that explores the same themes. This experiential learning approach strengthens their ability to write in different registers and formats.
8. Textual Mashups
Challenge students to blend literary and non-literary elements into a single product. For instance, they could create a news report about Hamlet’s downfall or a social media campaign inspired by a dystopian novel. This not only reinforces comprehension but also builds creativity and digital literacy skills.
9. Guest Speakers and Expert Insights
Invite journalists, graphic designers, or digital media creators to discuss how textual analysis applies in their fields. Hearing professionals talk about how they craft persuasive messages, develop narratives, or analyze tone in everyday communication helps students see the real-world value of both literary and non-literary texts.
10. Student-Led Text Selection
Give students the opportunity to choose their own non-literary texts to analyze alongside assigned literary works. This can foster deeper investment in their learning and allow for more diverse and inclusive textual representations in the classroom.
Final Thoughts
Balancing literary and non-literary texts is not about diluting the study of literature but about expanding students’ analytical skills across multiple forms of communication. By weaving both text types into classroom activities, students gain a richer, more holistic understanding of how language operates in society. Embracing these strategies will not only make the DP Language and Literature course more engaging but will also equip students with the analytical tools necessary for navigating the modern textual landscape.
Looking for more ideas and resources? Check out our DP Language & Literature resources on our website!