Camille Nelson
Saint Louis University, School of Law

As part of the panel considering “The Use of Popular Culture in First Year Courses”, I intend to explain my general approach to teaching first year Contracts I and Contracts II. Specifically, I will explain my reasons for utilizing PowerPoint, the internet and film and documentary footage to supplement the casebook and study guide I assign.

I will give a demonstration of the manner in which I integrate these materials through an example of the popular culture I utilize in teaching the Baby M cases. My classes covering the Baby M cases are the only ones in which I use the internet, PowerPoint and film footage, together with the casebook readings, to consider the relevant caselaw.

Finally, I will explore student reactions to the use of technology in the classroom. I would like to conclude by reflecting upon some of the pros and cons I have experienced in using popular culture in the first year curriculum.