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POETS AND POETRY

Module I: Learning to Love Poetry

Research Project: Student Handout

Wynonna Judd
Country Music

Get the Flash Player to see this video. I'm motivated by the music that heals the heart. And I think there's a place for heavy metal, if you really want to work out -- good music to work out to, drive fast. It motivates you to do certain things. But I wouldn't want to listen to it all day long. There is some of it that I have to admit I turn off, because it makes me want to run around crazy. But I think I'm like you; I try to understand the motivation behind it. There are a lot of angry people in the world, a lot of anger. And that's how we express it, through yelling. There's a lot of yelling in it, a lot of fast -- But now that I have children, I'm a little bit less likely to buy into it. That may sound weird, but when I was young it didn't bother me, but now that I have kids I'm in a different generation maybe. I'm just a little more laid back.

Choose one of the following research projects to express your ideas:

• Research poets who write humorous or story poems. Create a three-page web site that explores the way poems can use humor and storytelling to teach us about ourselves - a "poems can be fun" site!
• Create a database of poets write humorous poems and/or poems that tell an unforgettable story.
• Select a period in American history such as the Revolutionary War or the Gold Rush. Research the poets and poetry that told the story of these events. Create an oral presentation for the class that presents an historical event through the works of poets of that time.

Research Challenge
What has music expressed through the ages? For some groups of people, it was an oral history, recording the events of their lives. At other times, music kept hope alive, documented the loss of life, land, or freedom. It told of changes in nature and cultural identity, or helped people make it through another day in slavery, on a chain gang, on the railroad, or at sea. Music has been used to celebrate victories, rock babies to sleep, mourn, and celebrate the beginning of life.

RESEARCH FOCUS
What has music expressed through the ages?

POSSIBLE RESEARCH TOPICS

• Studying music throughout the history of one country or culture
• The meaning and function of the music of working class people
• Music as an oral tradition
• One type of music, such as lullabies, across cultures throughout time
• Music that brought people's attention to problems or the need for change

RESEARCH QUESTIONS

• What is the purpose of music in different cultures or ethnic groups?
• What are examples of music that grew out of difficult times?
• How does geography or the land inspire musicians and composers?
• How can music document a struggle for freedom or safety?

RESEARCH OUTCOMES

When you have completed your research, develop one of the following:

• Multimedia documentary on the music of a specific group of people
• Timeline tracing one type of music such as lullabies across time and cultures