LESSON PLAN

Song: Harperman
Context: This is a three day lesson plan for grade 7 social studies.
Unit: Empowerment and Disempowerment
Time: 3 classes *book computer lab for two classes
Before beginning this lesson, it is very important that the teacher express to their students that
this song does not necessarily reflect their own political opinion and students certainly do not
have to share this opinion. It could be helpful to show other protest pieces or campaigns against
other parties to emphasize this point. Open a discussion about censorship, and encourage
students to feel free to express their own political opinion in the class, always taking care to
support their opinions with evidence.

MATERIALS: Newspapers, magazine articles, provide links to online debates

METHOD:
After showing the song (3 verses is enough, you do not need to show the whole song)

Ask students to do some research. Provide two classes for students to compile their research.
One class should be booked to use the computer lab. Provide newspapers and encourage
students to use the library. Have students take notes and inform students that the notes will be
for hand in and will be graded based on the validity, variety, and relevance of their sources.
Students are also encouraged to watch the news, talk to family and friends, and take notes on
their discussions.
Students have the option to write the song down and hand in the lyrics, or they can sing and
record the song. If they are not comfortable singing, they can also choose to recite the song
either in front of the class or as a recording for hand in.
After the two research classes, ask students to compose a song supporting or protesting any
party of their choice, using the tune of Harperman. Alternatively, the teacher can assign
different students to support a different group, which might be a good exercise for students to
explore the positive aspects of a party they do not necessarily support.
Students will be marked based on creativity, the clarity of their piece (is it clear which party
they are supporting/opposing) and the validity of their arguments (where did they get the
information they are using in the song?)