Lesson Plan #1 Protest Music in History

I.

Learning Goal
To recognize the way music writing was influenced by historical events and
the way musicians used their songs to protest against them. This is important
because students need to be able to understand and make connections between
the arts and culture.

II.

Learning Objectives
Students will be able to connect a piece of music with a specific event in
history.
Students will be able to identify protest music from different time periods.

III.

NJCCCS
1.2.8.A.3 - Analyze the social, historical, and political impact of artists on
culture and the impact of culture on the arts.

IV.

Key Vocabulary Terms

Demonstration
March
Revolt
Riot
Boycott
Petitions

V.

Teaching Process
Play the song These Times They Are A-Changin by Bob Dylan
While the song is playing, have the students write down what they think
the song is about and what it makes them think of
Pass out handouts of the lyrics for the students to read
Ask some students to share their thoughts and have a class discussion
about the message of the song
Ask students, What do you think this song is protesting?
Discuss the lyrics and have students find specific lines to back up their
opinions
Have students re-visit what they originally wrote down about the song and
write what they learned or changed their opinions about after the
discussion
Show a short video clip about the Civil Rights movement and the
demonstrations that occurred during this time, and discuss as a class
In groups, assign students different time periods and have students do
internet research on protests that occurred during that time

Assign homework for the next class: Bring in an example of a protest song
from a specific historical time period and be prepared to share what you
think it is protesting
Assessment Plan
Can the students explain how the lyrics of a song reflect a protest?
Can the students find examples of protests from different historical time
periods and explain why and what the protest was about?

VI.