The Media and Social Justice in the United States
Date: Week 3, Day 2
Period/Class Title: English
Name: Karin Van Orman
# of students: 30
OBJECTIVE:
Why is hip hop sometimes called the CNN of black youth? Explore the political themes in American hip hop. Examine the connection between, art, media and social justice in hip hop.
MATERIALS:
35 copies of “Is Hip Hop Dead?” an article from Davey D’s Hip Hop Website, 35 copies of graphic organizers, paper, pens, composition books (journals), butcher paper, markers
NOTES:
Desks are arranged in usual work groups with five students per group. Groups should designate one person to record information onto butcher paper. The “Is Hip Hop Dead?” an article from Davey D’s Hip Hop Website can be accessed via The Hip Hop Circuit.
STEPS:
Anticipatory Set: Do Now: (while teacher does roll and students get settled) Get your journals and a copy of today’s article from the front of the room. Write about the following topic in your journal: Write about an artist, musician or other person from popular culture whose ideas you admire. How does this person use the media to put forth his or her message? (10 minutes)
1. Students volunteer information from their journal reflections. Teacher lists key points on the board. (5 minutes)
2. Class reads out loud from “Is Hip Hop Dead?” article. Teacher answers any questions. (15 minutes)
3. Students work in groups to outline political and social responsibilities of hip hop as described in the article using graphic organizer. Put 5 political responsibilities in one column, 5 social responsibilities in the second column. In the third column, add any responsibilities your group thinks should be added to the article. On butcher paper, students will write (using markers) 3-5 quotes from songs they know that express a political or social message. Tape the butcher paper to the blackboard when complete. (20 minutes)
4. Gallery walk: students are given an opportunity to read quotes written by all the groups. (7 minutes)
5. Clean up.
FOLLOW UP ACTIVITY:
Homework: This week we’re studying positive and negative symbols and themes in hip hop. Choose 1 album from an artist you listen to (any type of music) and write a brief 2 page essay about the symbols and themes in his or her work and how they have an impact on society. If you have a series of music videos from the artist, you may use that instead. Quote lyrics to support your ideas. Internet research about the artist should be incorporated into your own thoughts and analysis. You can use the Hip Hop Circuit Website to begin research on hip hop or to get song lyrics.
LITERACY ASPECT:
Students exercise writing skills in journals and oral skills in discussion groups. Graphic organizer will model how students may structure their thoughts when doing this type of study. This will directly support student efforts in the homework assignment. Students will activate critical thinking skills as they relate this article to their own memories/experience.
REFLECTIONS/RESPONSE:
Students may not be able to recall song lyrics specifically. They should be allowed to access the Hip Hop Circuit Website during class to look up song lyrics if they can not remember. That could extend the time the activity takes to complete.