GNS PCHS Students are not Playing Around
Posted on:Three years ago, Parkland Composite High School (PCHS) offered its first session of the Fantasy and Science Fiction Appreciation Course - a niche-interest extension of the Language Arts curriculum, focusing specifically on the Fantasy and Sci Fi genres...and the students who sign up for this course at not playing around: strategy, decision-making, critical thinking, and leadership are just a few of the many skills these students are developing in the course. Course creator and teacher, Kristin Basaraba, explains: “These genres have become deeply ingrained in popular culture, sparking imagination, creativity, and discussions about technology, society, and morality. Students delve into the histories of the genres, diving deep into a range of literature and film that explore the hero’s journey - a foundational narrative archetype. Basaraba, also an assistant principal, shares: “for educators, Fantasy and Science Fiction offer a powerful avenue to engage students, as they often explore complex themes like identity, power, and the consequences of innovation—topics that resonate with our youth. Additionally, these genres allow students to explore new worlds and ideas in a way that encourages critical thinking, empathy, and creativity, making them invaluable tools in the classroom.”