Music and Social Studies

Abstract Chapter 4 explores connections between music and social studies. The chapter includes rationales for integrating music and social studies, common links between the two disciplines, and a discussion of National Curriculum Standards for Social Studies, the C3 Framework for Social Studies State Standards, and the National Core Arts Standards for Music. Tables clearly show the standards that are incorporated throughout the lessons and examples. The chapter contains four detailed, full-length lessons that integrate music and social studies. These include a lesson examining musical synthesis and the Silk Road; a lesson focused on the creation and interpretation of musical and geographic maps; an in-depth exploration of the life and music of one Hmong immigrant; and an application of a reflective tool to examine ways people create, interact with, and change structures of power. The chapter ends with an inventory of ideas detailing twelve additional lesson topics, specific teaching strategies, and recommended activities.