Socialization through Music: Music Helps Me Keep My Sanity

Part One

You will be choosing one of the music genres we listed on the board. Your task will be to research the history of the particular genre, focusing on the following:

1)   Early history of the genre (roots of the genre, important artists, events in society that influenced the development of the genre, early perceptions of the genre, ways the genre influenced society and allowed its artists to vocalize socio-political ideas and viewpoints

2)   Popular instruments and/or equipment

3)   Influential artists and composers

4)   Ways in which the genre evolved from its early history to today

5)   Ways in which the music relates to the culture in which it was created.  Effects the genre had on other “outside” cultures.

6)   What are ways that this genre is an agent of socialization?  In what ways does the music effect how people act or interact?

7)   How is the dress/style of the genre appropriate for the content of the music?  Does the content of lyrics affect the clothing style of the genre?

Your squad will create a one page PPT/Keynote or poster board billboard that somehow represents all of the previous questions.  Your group will give a brief explanation (3-5 minute) of your billboard.

Part Two:

You are going to choose a favorite song lyric and write it down. The lyric should be at least a line, and may be up to a whole verse. Lyrics which contain vulgar language are not be used for this assignment. Please reflect and answer the following questions relating to why you picked this lyric, and why it is important to you (SEE BELOW).

What does this lyric make you think of when you hear it?

How does it relate to you?

Does it relate to an event in your own life?

Do you like to listen to this song at specific times, and if so, when?

Do you think this lyric would appeal to adults?

How is this lyric/band/song an agent of socialization in your life? (How does/did it affect how you act in society?)

If the lyric is really long then put it on a PPT/Keynote slide so the class can see it as you discuss it, or just write it on the board if it is short.