Points out that song lyrics are poetry that has moved people to love, march to war, march against war, and respond to religious impulses. Suggests that studying the lyrics of popular songs can help students develop an awareness of language and the power of poetry. (TJ)

Eight music educators offer their views on the pros and cons of including pop/rock music in the curriculum. Some participants describe methods they've developed to highlight or to integrate contemporary music in their courses. This article is part of a theme issue on popular music. (SJL)

Discusses the role of popular music choirs in secondary schools and colleges. Their extensive repertoires, including folk music, jazz and show-tune medleys, and variety music, make pop choirs an excellent method for teaching singing skills and music theory. Information on starting a pop choir is included. (AM)

Popular music is discussed as a means of interesting adolescents and young adults in a foreign culture and language. A number of language class exercises are offered, focusing on different aspects of the songs and their roles: vocabulary; musical structure; culture contact; syntax; and creativity. (MSE)

This paper in the form of an outline addresses the use of songs and instrumental music throughout the English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) curriculum. The rationale for using music in general, and specifically using popular songs and instrumental music, are noted. Criteria for selection of music for classroom use are listed, and a taxonomy is…

This student book encourages an understanding of U.S. history through song, and of American song through history. The book is organized in two main parts, the first focuses on the nature of popular music. It examines "What is Popular Music?" and looks at pop themes, lyrics, melodies, rhythm, the composer, performer, and publisher. The…

Addresses the way that popular music depicted the anti-war sentiment during the Vietnam war era, as opposed to country western music which defended government action. Advocates supplementing textbook readings with song lyrics, and suggests a slide presentation to help integrate the two media. Lists three tables with songs organized around specific…

Describes the use of rock music lyrics to illustrate and personify key concepts in a Sociology of Deviant Behavior, course. Includes examples of the lyrics, related sociological issues, and ways that the combination facilitated class discussion. Student response was consistently favorable. (MJP)

Explicates the fascinating origins (and conflicting versions thereof) for a number of well-known folk songs including, "Casey Jones,""John Henry,""Frankie and Johnny," and "Tom Dooley." Notes that source material on these and other songs is widely available through liner notes, folk song periodicals, and folklore journals. (MJP)

Suggests the variety of Christmas songs (sacred, secular, traditional, and nontraditional) recorded since 1940 offers enormous potential for use in social studies classrooms. Argues these songs provide insights into cultural history and social change. Suggests several classroom activities discussing and classifying Christmas songs. Includes a…

This document contains three issues of a journal for elementary and secondary teachers which provide materials and teaching ideas for integrating folk music appreciation into social studies, literature, and humanities courses. The first issue focuses on songs of the West. It includes 10 songs on the pioneers, the Indians, and the frontier. Also…

This project was commissioned to investigate ways in which schools can include the cultural activities and symbols of young people--musical interests in particular--in the design and implementation of a music curriculum. The resulting report is divided into three sections. First is a literature review that focuses on the musical interests of youth…

The second volume of a newsletter for integrating folk music into elementary and secondary social studies, literature, and humanities courses, this publication contains three issues of the newsletter which together offer a compilation of folksongs from various historical periods and cultures. The first issue of this volume contains miscellaneous…

The first volume of a newsletter designed to promote the integration of folksong into the social studies, literature, or humanities classroom, this publication contains the first four issues of the newsletter which together offer a compilation of folksongs from various historical periods and cultures. Material is divided into four parts. Part A,…

The third volume of a newsletter for integrating folk music appreciation into elementary and secondary social studies, literature, and humanities courses, this publication contains three issues of the newsletter which together provide a compilation of folksongs from various historical periods and cultures. The first issue contains an article on…