Protest Song Project - Example, Research, Outline, and Rubric

Analyzing popular media and examining a song for its message is the purpose of this research project. Everyone loves music - which is why every one of your students will love this project. Students are asked to choose one song about social issues/injustice, a political issue, or an historical event (from any decade or genre). They will analyze their selection and create a visual presentation - such as a poster, Slideshow, video, etc. to present the analysis to the class. The resources should be used in the following order:

Fortunate Son by CCR - example of project and song analysis worksheet

Links - choosing a protest song

Research - 3-5 days

Outline - slideshow expectations (3-5 days for creation of presentation)

Rubric - summative assessment class presentations

This project can be used as a summative assessment for a Speaking/Listening Presentation - you will hit so many standards...research, analyzing figurative meanings, making connections to real events, people, and history, theme, author's viewpoint/bias...but most of all, students love it! Students often pick songs they are already fans of and the research is not a chore - high engagement from start to finish.