To teach political issues such as political struggle, justice, interstate conflict, etc. educators rely mostly on textbooks and lectures. However, many other forms of narrative exist that can elevate our understanding of such issues. This innovative work seeks new ways to foster learning beyond the textbook and lecture model, by using creative and new media, including graphic novels, animated films, hip-hop music, Twitter, and more. Discussing the opportunities these media offer to teach and engage students about politics, the work presents concrete ways on how to use them, along with teaching and assessment strategies, all tested in the classroom. The contributors are dedicated educators from various types of institutions whose essays span a variety of political topics and examine how non-traditional "texts" can promote critical thinking and intellectual growth among students in colleges and universities.The first of its kind to discuss a wide range of alternative texts and media, the book will be a valuable resource to anyone seeking to develop innovative curricula and engage their students in the study of politics.

1. Preface/Acknowledgements 2. Introduction-The Turn Towards Alternative "Texts" in the Classroom Literary Texts -Section Introduction- 3. Ancient Riches: Teaching Political Philosophy through The Bible (Robert M. Bosco) 4. Literature from the Global South: 'Uncharted' and Under-utilized Resources for the International Politics Classroom (Michael Kuchinsky) 5. Critical Pedagogy in Hard Times: Utopian Socialist Literature as a Means for Teaching Economic Crisis (Robert W. Glover and Daniel Tagliarina) Art and Visual Media -Section Introduction- 6. Laughing and Learning: Using Political Cartoons to Teach Politics (Joan Conners) 7. Graphic Novels in the Political Science Classroom (Kenton Worchester) Musical/Theatrical Media -Section Introduction- 8. Why Do Students Resist Hip Hop Studies (Travis Gosa) 9. Stirring the Melting Pot: Promoting Political Literacy through Music and Mixtapes (Shyam K. Sriram) 10. The Case is Submitted: Re-Enactment Theatre and U.S. Supreme Court Oral Arguments (Nina Kasniunas) 11. The Comparative Politics of the Zombie Attack (Steve Williamson) Film and Television -Section Introduction- 12. Knowing How to Curse: Learning Political Philosophy from Deadwood" (Paul Cantor) 13. The Politics in Pixar: The Underlying Messages of America's Animated Favorites (William J. Miller, Jeremy D. Walling, and Jill D. Miller) 14. American Students, African Conflicts, and Hollywood: The Advantages and Unintended Consequences of Using Film to Teach African Politics (Christopher R. Cook) 15. War and Peace on Film (Jeffrey S. Lantis) Internet a Social Media -Section Introduction- 16. Teaching Political Theory with Twitter: The Pedagogy of Social Networking (Ari Kohen) Conclusion17. (to be determined)18. (to be determined)19. Conclusion