Lesson plan: Music with a message
August 15, 2000
Web posted at 11:55 p.m. EST (0355 GMT)
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Objectives
Students will:
- Explain the effects of music on people's reactions.
- Examine lyrics for hidden or overt meanings.
- Research the political platforms of the Democratic and Republican parties.
- Rewrite a popular tune to reflect political positions of Democratic and Republican parties.
Standards
National Council of the Social Studies
X. Civic Ideals and Practices
High school students increasingly recognize the rights and responsibilities of citizens in identifying societal needs, setting directions for public policies and working to support both individual dignity and the common good. They learn by experience how to participate in community service and political activities and how to use democratic process to influence public policy.
Suggested time
One to two class periods
Materials
CNNfyi article, "They're playing the Democrats' songs"
Internet access
Magazines and newspapers with political articles
(Optional) Musical instruments or CDs with recordings of songs students select to rewrite
Procedures
1. Discuss different styles of music and the emotions those styles evoke. Have students read the CNNfyi article "They're playing the Democrats' songs". After students have read the article, ask the following questions:
- Why do Democratic National Convention planners see music as a kind of audio plank in the party platform? What types of music will be played? Why are they using a diverse range of music? Why might it be important for the Democratic planners to know the political affiliation of the artists whose songs are used?
- Name a few songs that you think could bring tears to someone's eyes or cause someone to jump up and applaud. Which emotions are aroused by the musical selections chosen by the Democratic National Convention? Do you think that the types of music selected for the convention are a statement of how inclusive the party is of different ethnic backgrounds and cultures? Why or why not? Do you think that the ages and backgrounds of U.S. voters are included in these selections? Which selections or types of music would you add or remove? Explain your position.
- What famous song did planners want to use for their opening night? Who wrote this selection? Why is this selection significant? Why wouldn't the songwriter's widow allow the Democratic National Convention to rewrite her husband's song to reflect the party's platform? Do you think that her reasoning was political? Explain.
2. Have students research Democratic and Republican Web sites to get ideas about the parties' political platforms. Direct students, either in groups or individually, to online or media resources to find out the focus of these parties' platforms.
3. Direct students to choose one or two of the artists who are scheduled to perform live at the Democratic convention. Ask students to try to guess which of the songs the artist will perform, then have them find the lyrics to the song. Instruct students to rewrite the song to reflect either the Democratic or Republican political positions.
Accommodation
Linguistic: Instruct students to do further research on the 2000 presidential campaign by using newspapers, the Internet or other media sources. After finishing the research, have students participate in a debate on the issues. The students may be divided by political parties or issues.
Musical: Students can choose a song they think is appropriate as a theme song for either the Republican or Democratic campaign. Ask them to write or to tell why they think the selected songs are appropriate.
Assessment
Have students present their songs to the class and, if time permits, have the audience rate the songs for accuracy as well as rhyme and rhythm.
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