The Dylan Affect


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Teacher's Notes: This unit is based on the work of David Baxter and Emma Thomas UNE in 2006 at the ETA Annual Conference. The unit explores the notions of High and Popular culture and the concept of the 'canon'. It engages students in a critical analysis of the value of texts and increases their knowledge of the language, structures and forms of poetry. The unit asks: Does Dylan’s work fall into the study of English in secondary schools, and moreover does his work provide an example of a ‘bridge’ between popular and canonical literary texts, juxtaposing elements of the tradition universality, timelessness) and contemporary (everyday, folk culture)? Bob Dylan's career has spanned over 40 years and his song writing is considered his greatest achievement. At 65 he is the oldest musician to have an album in the number 1 spot on the American charts. Analysis and evaluation of Dylan's contributions is the context for learning about notions of High culture, popular culture and the literary canon. Students draw on their knowledge of the Western canon and popular culture and consider : 1. Can the contemporary literature of song writing be held in the same regard as poetry? 2. How do the media construct and represent artists and thus construct public opinion?
Word Documents: Unit Outline and lesson Plans Comparing Dylan to the Canon Front Cover of biography Images of Singers Songs and Poems Bob Dylan in the 60's Musical literature and poetry Dylan's iconic status Song Lyrics Notes for teachers	Useful Links Dylan at Wikipedia Expecting Rain Bob Dylan BBC site Bob Dylan at Time (magazine) Bob Dylan Columbia Records