ABSTRACT
In this talk, Donna Alvermann addresses how popular culture is not a discourse distinct from other discourses, including adolescents’ literacy practices. Much as some accounts would have us believe that the two are unique and divide approximately along informal and formal learning, Dr. Alvermann’s research over the past 20 years or so would suggest just the opposite. In this talk, Dr. Alvermann critically reframes key findings from several of her earlier research projects involving adolescents’ literacy practices and popular culture for the express purpose of inviting a discussion focused on the uncertainties and complexities that went unnoticed (or at least unremarked) the first time around.
