MUSIC AS A FORCE FOR SOCIAL CHANGE
"Any musical innovation is full of danger to the whole state, and ought to be prohibited. When modes of music change, the fundamental laws of the state always change with them." - Plato
Throughout history, music has been a vehicle for enacting change in the world. In some cases songs are written in response to historical events or social movements that the artist experienced. In other cases, songs are responsible for initiating a shift in a society’s beliefs and assumptions. In both situations, music can provide an illustration of the artist using his or her musical talent to actively participate in the democratic principles of America.
This unit affords you the opportunity to evaluate how musical artists reveal their positions on social issues through their attitude and style. In the process, you will understand the value of expression and debate in a democratic system. As you analyze the techniques used by some of your favorite artists to raise awareness about various social issues, you will also understand that democracy is not just a form of government, but a way of life. If the citizenry fails to exercise its right to expression and open debate, the democracy may cease to exist.
By the end of this unit students will:
This unit affords you the opportunity to evaluate how musical artists reveal their positions on social issues through their attitude and style. In the process, you will understand the value of expression and debate in a democratic system. As you analyze the techniques used by some of your favorite artists to raise awareness about various social issues, you will also understand that democracy is not just a form of government, but a way of life. If the citizenry fails to exercise its right to expression and open debate, the democracy may cease to exist.
By the end of this unit students will:
- assess the impact of human activities on current and future generations
- analyze issues through the critical use of credible sources
- demonstrate a command of the conventions of standard English
Lesson One |
Lesson Two |
Lesson ThreeSongs for Social Change
Group Analysis and Self Assessment |
Lesson Four |