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This inquiry leads students through an investigation of the ways in which artists are trying to heal the political polarization that have divided Americans. Students analyze recent events (e.g., the 2024 Fast Car duet between Tracy Chapman and Luke Combs) and how these artists created some national unity in their work. Students start to think about the role artists can play in a democracy and how people find commonality within the humanities generally, and art specifically
How Can Art Unite A Divided Democracy?
Students begin by listening to Tracy Chapman’s Fast Car, annotating and sharing lyrics that resonate with them. They then work in groups to explore Chapman’s and Luke Combs’ backgrounds and how their perspectives shape different versions of the song. Next, students interview classmates they don’t know well, adding their own question to a set protocol. These stages—Deliberate, Collaborate, Produce—culminate in a larger discussion about the compelling question and other artists who foster unity, such as Hamilton. (For more download the PDF or Word document linked above.)
DELIBERATE: Annotate the lyric sheet as you listen to “Fast Car” by Tracy Chapman. Select your favorite lyric and share with a partner.
COLLABORATE: Listen to the story and work with a group of four to answer this question: Does the artist change the meaning of the song? If so, how? If not, why not?
PRODUCE: Interview a classmate you do not know well (at least someone you have not worked with thus far). Use the protocol for questions and add a question of your own.]
Source A: Fast Car by Tracy Chapman
Source B:“A Rare Moment Americans Could All Share
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