Discusses the emergence of the horror genre in U.S. mass media, including literature, films, songs, and television. Examples of thematic and character exchanges among major media areas are described; the interest of youth in horror is discussed; and songs of horror and humor are described. (41 references) (LRW)

Discusses popular music as a vehicle for cultural interchange between the United States and Great Britain between 1943 and 1967. Highlights include the early domination of U.S. record business interests and artistic styles established through the U.S. wartime and post-war military presence in England, and the later domination by British recording…

Discusses how modern singers and songwriters contribute ideas, events, and values which form the concept of urban existence in the minds of young Americans. Central issues (with record lists included) are the urban troubador, urban civilization as cultural enrichment, images of specific cities, and the urban female. (Author/KC)

Discussion of the use of daily habits or common social activities by anthropologists and sociology teachers to illustrate the power of popular culture focuses on the role of coffee. Provides a list of more than 60 specific songs and albums that could be used for classroom discussion. (Author/LRW)

Explores the differing lyrical perceptions of war and military activity depicted in popular songs during World War I, World War II, the Vietnam War, and the Persian Gulf War. The role of music in reinforcing patriotism is discussed, as well as the antiwar sentiment of the Vietnam era. (31 references) (LRW)

Examines images of bridges in the titles and lyrics of contemporary recordings that are metaphors for social relationship changes. Lists over 100 recordings that are available as instructional resources for secondary school teachers, popular culture scholars, bridge enthusiasts, or lyric analysts. (Contains 19 references.) (Author/LRW)

Discusses (1) what is popular music, (2) reasons for using popular music in social studies classes, (3) where resources on teaching popular music can be obtained, and (4) how a social studies teacher can introduce popular music resources in instruction. (CMV)

Suggests analysis of popular songs containing social commentary on women. Categories under which songs are listed include negative self-image, positive self-image, submissive individuals, dominant individuals, and personal independence. A bibliography of relevant books is included. (KC)

Argues that effective library service must provide access to a broad and unrestricted store of both traditional and popular information materials to serve the educational and informational needs of the public. Extensive lists of literary and audio resources for popular materials are provided, as well as 16 references. (RAA)

Discusses the tendency of popular music critics to attempt to censor explicit, suggestive commentaries. The potentially negative impact of record banning within a democratic society is briefly explored. A taxonomy of sex-related lyrical themes is assembled to provide postsecondary school teachers with an overview of recorded content available…

Recommends that English teachers encourage students to explore interaction of popular culture and oral communication. Discusses similarities between personal letters and contemporary recordings. Identifies over 60 letter-related song titles that have used postal imagery to depict a variety of human circumstances and lists over 20 references.…

Demonstrates how the use of rock-era music images of political protest and social criticism can provide teachers with a forceful and entertaining introduction to the examination of controversial issues in U.S. society. Includes chronologically and thematically arranged lists of recordings which represent popular themes in U.S. music between…

By combining several years of negative public health data, political pressuring and legal mandates, and mixed journalistic commentaries with 50 years of lyrical observations, social studies instructors can creatively demonstrate the shifting climate of cigarette smoking in the United States. A discography is provided of more than 100 recordings…

Illustrates a method for demonstrating historical chronology using popular songs that comment on a variety of social, political, and economic concerns. Provides an audio time line which uses U.S. recordings from 1955 to 1987 as musical time markers, highlighting such issues as racial discrimination, urban decay, political chicanery and women's…

Examines the images of war represented by popular recordings. Divides the century into four periods based on wars: 1914-38, 1939-63, 1964-89, and 1990-91. Reports that the popular image of the United States at war as represented in music has been positive for all periods except Vietnam, although each period had its share of protest. Lists…