Meet the CLC professor who uses sci-fi to teach sociology
What do William Shatner, Ricardo Montalban, “Star Trek” and “Star Wars” have in common with sociology?
They've all become important teaching tools in John Tenuto's classes at College of Lake County.
Tenuto uses “Star Trek” and “Star Wars” as pop culture examples to help drive home real-life social issues to his students.
“When I was a little kid I was a fan of science fiction,” said Tenuto, who's also an avid collector of “Star Trek” and “Star Wars” memorabilia.
“What I found most interesting about science fiction was that I found myself watching it for the social themes even though I didn't realize it at the time” he said. “Really good science fiction deals with social issues using science trappings to comment on those issues.”
Tenuto skillfully weaves into his lectures role models like the late actor Montalban, who appeared in the role as Khan on a “Star Trek” television series episode, and then 15 years later in the move “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan.” Montalban experienced and overcame prejudices and social problems during his career.
Tenuto also suggests that “Star Wars” was not only a great science fiction movie that shaped popular culture but also a sociocultural commentary on religion and technology. “Star Trek,” he said, touches on a variety of social and cultural concerns, a kind of sociological commentary in a creative, artistic format.
Another favorite individual Tenuto likes to use as a teaching point is William Shatner. Because of Shatner's long career — from “Star Trek” to “TJ Hooker” to the Priceline Negotiator — nearly all students know of his work, and he becomes a good popular culture touchstone reference for his class.
According to Tenuto, Shatner's film “Star Trek V: The Final Frontier” raises worthwhile questions about the environment and religion.
“Like all of my popular culture examples, the films and TV shows of William Shatner help by starting our learning with something students may be familiar with, and then allowing that to begin a conversation about important real-world sociological ideas,” Tenuto said.
“I hope my students get an appreciation for what sociology is, how society is, how they're affected by their society, and how the society is affected by them,” he said. “I hope that by using things like Star Trek and Star Wars in the classroom, that it's not only fun for them but that it's relevant for them.”
Moving Picture
Everyone has a story. Moving Picture is that story. Our photojournalists tell that story in words and sounds, pictures and video, giving you insight in to the fascinating people that surround us everyday. Send us your Moving Picture ideas to <a href="mailto:movingpicture%40dailyherald.com?subject=Moving%20Picture">movingpicture@dailyherald.com</a>.