Abstract
Serial storytelling, characterized by its interplay of vertical (episodic) and horizontal (long-form) narrative structures, offers a unique opportunity for media literacy in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) education. This paper argues for the development of a serial literacy framework, a concept that expands traditional film literacy models to accommodate the distinct demands of serialized narratives. By using Inventing Anna (Rhimes, 2022) as a case study, the study explores how serial storytelling fosters engagement with themes of identity construction, ethical ambiguity, and transmedial storytelling. This paper elaborates on serial literacy, considering its implications within foreign language learning contexts. The study highlights how serialized narratives cultivate critical thinking, communicative competence, and media awareness, which renders them a valuable pedagogical tool. By integrating serial literacy into EFL curricula, educators can bridge students’ media consumption habits with analytical engagement and thus foster a generation of critically literate media consumers and producers.
This paper elaborates on serial literacy, considering its implications within foreign language learning contexts. The study highlights how serialized narratives cultivate critical thinking, communicative competence, and media awareness, which renders them a valuable pedagogical tool. By integrating serial literacy into EFL curricula, educators can bridge students' media consumption habits with analytical engagement and thus foster a generation of critically literate media consumers and producers.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Recommended Citation
Intveen, J., & Illigens, T. (2025). Beyond the episode: A case for serial literacy in EFL education classrooms. Journal of Media Literacy Education, 17(3), 17-30. https://doi.org/10.23860/JMLE-2025-17-3-3
Included in
Communication Technology and New Media Commons, Curriculum and Instruction Commons, Educational Methods Commons, Instructional Media Design Commons, Language and Literacy Education Commons, Other Education Commons, Other Teacher Education and Professional Development Commons, Secondary Education Commons
