Impulses for Teaching Poetry and Song Lyrics

The volume ‚Impulses for Teaching Poetry and Song Lyrics: From Shakespeare to Pop Music‘ explores the potential of poems and song lyrics in English language education through theoretical considerations, interdisciplinary insights, and case studies. Focusing on traditional forms of poetry as well as spoken-word poetry, poetry on social media, and pop songs, the contributors demonstrate a wide range of applications for these texts. They share the conviction that lyrical texts are particularly effective for highlighting linguistic phenomena, evoking complex emotions, and sparking productive discussions.

Following a programmatic introduction, which also acknowledges possible teacher concerns, the first part of the volume offers essential reflections on lyrical texts in the classroom. The second part features in-depth analyses of poems and songs, examining their interplay with illustrations, album covers, music videos, and stage performances. An outro chapter discusses the challenges and benefits of an interdisciplinary seminar on poetry and song lyrics.