Songwriting and Social Change

A hands-on songwriting class that will allow students to put their social change ideas into rhyme, while also surveying songs in different eras and cultures throughtout the 20th century that promoted social change and/or illustrated social phenomenon particular to that era and culture. Benefit concert events like Live Aid and the Concert for Bangladesh that brought about awareness of prominent issues will also be explored. Notable songs which had impact on social change will be analyzed (e.g. Imagine, Get Up, Stand Up, Strange Fruit) and prominent activist songwriters will be profiled (such as Bob Dylan, Bono, Bob Marley, Michael Franti, and Bob Geldof). Throughout the semester, students will have an opportunity to experiment with different writing topics and settings. There will be weekly writing assignments, as well as documentary screenings. Guest speakers and visiting artists will be invited to participate when available.