Rhythms of Resistance: Music & Civil Rights in the South

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Rhythms of Resistance: Music & Civil Rights in the South

Grade 12EnglishSocial StudiesHistory14 days

The 'Rhythms of Resistance: Music & Civil Rights in the South' is a project-based learning experience for 12th-grade students focusing on the intersection of music and social activism during the American Civil Rights Movement. Through exploration of historical figures, such as Medgar Evers and Emmett Till, and music genres like Delta Blues and country, students analyze how cultural expressions influenced social change. The project includes activities like lyrical analysis, multimedia presentations, and virtual tours of significant historical sites, enabling students to draw parallels to contemporary social justice issues.

Civil Rights MovementMusicSocial ChangeHistorical FiguresCultural ExpressionSocial JusticeMultimedia Projects

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Inquiry Framework

Question Framework

Driving Question

The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can stories of social activism and change from the past inspire us to create a positive impact in our communities today?

Essential Questions

Supporting questions that break down major concepts.

How did the American Civil Rights Movement catalyze social change, and what role did music play in this era?
In what ways did artists like Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, and Delta Blues musicians influence cultural identity and social consciousness in the Deep South?
How can the exploration of historical sites like the Grand Ole Opry and the Mississippi Delta enhance our understanding of the intersection between music and activism?
What parallels can be drawn between the struggles for justice, equality, and reconciliation in the United States and Canada during the Civil Rights era?
How do figures like Medgar Evers and Emmett Till inspire contemporary movements for social justice and challenge students to act with determination and purpose?
In what ways can students utilize their learning of music and history to create meaningful projects that address current issues of social justice?

Standards & Learning Goals

Learning Goals

By the end of this project, students will be able to:

Analyze the impact of the American Civil Rights Movement on social change and its connection to music in shaping social consciousness.
Investigate the intersection of historical events and cultural expressions in the Deep South, focusing on music and activism.
Evaluate the roles of artists and historical figures in catalyzing social change and enhancing cultural identity.
Develop multimedia projects that integrate historical analysis with contemporary social justice issues.
Draw critical connections between American and Canadian struggles for justice, equality, and reconciliation in the 20th century.
Synthesize learning to produce creative expressions reflecting on historical and present-day social justice themes.

Common Core Standards

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.11-12.1

Primary

Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of primary and secondary sources, connecting insights gained from specific details to an understanding of the text as a whole.Reason: Students will analyze historical texts and music lyrics in the context of the Civil Rights Movement and its influence on culture and society.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.5

Primary

Make strategic use of digital media and visual displays of data to express information and enhance understanding of presentations.Reason: The project requires students to create multimedia presentations to demonstrate their understanding of historical events and the role of music in social change.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.7

Primary

Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate; synthesize multiple sources on the subject, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.Reason: Students will perform research to explore the role of music and historical figures in the civil rights era and apply this understanding to contemporary issues.

WHST.11-12.9

Secondary

Draw evidence from informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.Reason: Students will use various informational texts to support their research and reflections on the civil rights movement and music's role.

State Standards

SSHS.12.5

Primary

Analyze complex and significant trends in U.S. history, such as changes in territorial size, diplomatic policy, economic goals, and political ideals.Reason: The project involves analyzing trends and changes during the Civil Rights Movement and how these influenced both the social climate and the music industry.

Entry Events

Events that will be used to introduce the project to students

Musical Time Capsule

Students discover a sealed time capsule supposedly from the 1960s, left unearthing at their school, containing records, letters, and newspapers. As they delve into these artifacts, it raises questions about the relationship between music and social movements, inspiring inquiry into the lives of figures like Medgar Evers and musicians who influenced the blues and country genres.

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Portfolio Activities

These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.

Activity 1

Soundtrack of Change: Historical Context Exploration

In this activity, students will explore the historical background of the American Civil Rights Movement and its profound impact on music as a tool for social change. They will investigate pivotal figures like Medgar Evers and Emmett Till, and the emergence of musical genres like Delta Blues and country music as forms of cultural expression.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Introduce students to key historical events and figures of the Civil Rights Movement using documentaries and primary sources.

2. Discuss the significance of Medgar Evers and Emmett Till in the movement against racial injustice.

3. Explore the role of music genres such as Delta Blues and country in expressing social consciousness during this era.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA timeline poster displaying key events, figures, and musical milestones during the Civil Rights Movement.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsCCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.11-12.1 – Analyzes historical texts and context.

Activity 2

Music as Resistance: Lyrical Analysis Workshop

Students will delve into the lyrics of iconic songs from the Civil Rights era to uncover messages of resistance and hope. They'll analyze how these songs reflected and impacted social movements.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Provide students with a selection of song lyrics from artists like Elvis Presley and Delta Blues musicians.

2. Guide students in analyzing the lyrics for themes of resistance and social change.

3. Facilitate a group discussion on how these themes correlated with events of the Civil Rights era.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityAn analytical essay discussing how specific lyrics influenced social movements.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsWHST.11-12.9 – Uses informational texts and lyrical evidence to support research and insights.

Activity 3

From Past to Present: Social Justice Multimedia Project

This culminating project empowers students to synthesize their learning by creating a multimedia presentation connecting historical Civil Rights events and music to contemporary social justice issues.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Have students select a modern-day social justice issue that parallels the themes explored in the unit.

2. Instruct students to research their chosen issue, drawing parallels to the Civil Rights era.

3. Guide students in creating a multimedia presentation using digital tools to illustrate their findings.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA multimedia presentation combining historical analysis with present-day social justice narratives.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsCCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.7 & CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.5 – Integrates research and digital media to present information effectively.

Activity 4

Cultural Site Exploration: Virtual Field Trip

Students take a virtual field trip to significant cultural sites like the Grand Ole Opry, Mississippi Delta, and Memphis. They'll explore how these places influenced the music scene and activism.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Organize a virtual tour of each site focusing on its historical significance.

2. Assign students to research how each site contributed to the cultural and musical evolution relevant to the Civil Rights Movement.

3. Conduct a reflective discussion on the connections between these sites and socio-political changes.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA reflective journal entry synthesizing the impact of each site on music and activism.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsSSHS.12.5 – Analyzes historical sites' influence on social and musical trends.

Activity 5

Voices of Change: Interview Simulation

In this simulation, students will role-play interviews with historical figures and musicians. They'll prepare questions and answers that reflect the figure’s contributions to music and social change.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Have students choose a historical figure or musician related to the Civil Rights Movement.

2. Guide students to research the selected individual's life, focusing on how they influenced or were influenced by music and activism.

3. Conduct a mock interview with peers, using prepared questions and answers based on research.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA transcript of the interview showcasing the individual's impact on music and social activism.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsCCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.11-12.1 – Cites specific evidence from research on historical figures.

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Rubric & Reflection

Portfolio Rubric

Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolio

Cultural and Historical Learning: Civil Rights and Music Rubric

Category 1

Historical and Cultural Understanding

Evaluates the depth of understanding related to historical events, cultural impact, and key figures of the Civil Rights Movement and musical evolution.

Criterion 1

Historical Context

Assess the student's ability to articulate historical events and figures such as Medgar Evers and Emmett Till within the Civil Rights Movement.

Exemplary

4 Points

Demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of historical events, providing comprehensive and nuanced context for figures like Medgar Evers and Emmett Till and their contributions to social change.

Proficient

3 Points

Shows thorough understanding of historical events and figures, offering clear connections to social change within the Civil Rights Movement.

Developing

2 Points

Exhibits emerging understanding with basic descriptions and some connection of historical events and figures to the Civil Rights Movement.

Beginning

1 Points

Displays initial understanding with minimal connections to key figures and events of the Civil Rights Movement.

Criterion 2

Cultural Impact of Music

Evaluate the student's understanding of how musical genres like Delta Blues and country reflected and influenced social movements.

Exemplary

4 Points

Articulates a deep and innovative understanding of how music served as a tool for resistance and social expression, with comprehensive exploration of genres like Delta Blues and country.

Proficient

3 Points

Clearly explains the influence of musical genres on social movements, demonstrating effective analysis of Delta Blues and country music.

Developing

2 Points

Shows basic understanding of music's cultural impact with some analysis of relevant genres influencing social change.

Beginning

1 Points

Demonstrates a minimal understanding of music's impact on social consciousness during the Civil Rights Era.

Category 2

Research and Analysis

Focuses on the student's ability to investigate historical and musical topics, synthesize information, and draw conclusions.

Criterion 1

Research Skills

Evaluates the student's ability to conduct accurate and thorough research to support analysis of social justice themes.

Exemplary

4 Points

Conducts rigorous research using multiple high-quality sources, demonstrating deep synthesis of information and a thorough understanding of historic-social intersections.

Proficient

3 Points

Conducts effective research, utilizing reputable sources, and provides clear support for historical and social themes.

Developing

2 Points

Performs basic research with some lapses in synthesis, beginning to support historical and social arguments with appropriate sources.

Beginning

1 Points

Displays minimal research skills with insufficient use of sources to support historical and social perspectives.

Category 3

Creative and Reflective Expression

Assesses the student's ability to express historical and contemporary themes creatively and reflectively, demonstrating personal and social understanding.

Criterion 1

Creative Synthesis

Evaluates the student's ability to integrate historical knowledge into creative projects addressing contemporary social justice.

Exemplary

4 Points

Demonstrates exceptional creativity in synthesizing historical themes with contemporary issues in a unique and compelling way.

Proficient

3 Points

Effectively combines historical insights with current social themes, producing creative and coherent expressions.

Developing

2 Points

Shows emerging creativity in connecting historical and present-day themes, beginning to form coherent projects.

Beginning

1 Points

Demonstrates limited creativity in connecting historical and contemporary themes, needing more coherent integration.

Criterion 2

Reflection and Personal Growth

Assess the student's capacity for reflection on historical learning and its impact on personal and societal views.

Exemplary

4 Points

Provides deep reflections showing sophisticated insight into personal and societal implications of historical learning.

Proficient

3 Points

Offers thoughtful reflections connecting historical themes and personal growth experiences.

Developing

2 Points

Shows initial reflective thinking with some connection to personal learning and social themes.

Beginning

1 Points

Reflects minimal connection to historical themes and personal or societal implications.

Reflection Prompts

End-of-project reflection questions to get students to think about their learning

Question 1

Reflect on your understanding of the American Civil Rights Movement and how it has impacted social change. How did the exploration of music as a form of cultural expression shape your perspective?

Text

Required

Question 2

On a scale of 1-5, how effective was the integration of historical and music exploration in enhancing your understanding of social justice issues?

Scale

Required

Question 3

Which historical figure or musician explored during this course had the most significant impact on your learning and why?

Multiple choice

Required

Options

Medgar Evers

Emmett Till

Elvis Presley

Dolly Parton

Delta Blues Musicians

Question 4

How did the activities involving virtual tours of historical sites contribute to your understanding of the connection between music and activism?

Text

Optional

Question 5

In what ways did this course change or reinforce your views on the role of music in social and political movements?

Text

Required