Document Type

Lesson Plan and Materials

Publication Date

2025

Abstract

This lesson focuses on the rise of the feminist punk rock movement Riot Grrrl, and the political, social, and cultural conversations brought about by the band that created the genre, Bikini Kill. Students will explore the history of the genre and how its emergence had a great influence on political movements, female empowerment, the 3rd-wave of feminism, as well as the punk rock scene as a whole. Through engaging discussions, lyrical and performance analysis, and scholarly research on popular music, the lesson will highlight the ways in which artists have represented, subverted, and critiqued societal norms and politics surrounding gender across musical genres and time periods.

Students will begin by understanding the historical impact of Riot Grrrl, before engaging in full class discussions that stimulate an understanding of how the lyrics, performances, and image of artists create meaning and may evoke greater societal change. They will then listen to two different examples of music made by artists who are at the center of feminist critique, Bikini Kill and Sabrina Carpenter. By the end of the lesson, students will be able to identify how feminist messaging, and the political and societal implications of it change over time, as well as develop a deeper appreciation and awareness of the ways their favorite music artists develop meaning in their music.

Additional Files
MV ENGS 15.11_ Slideshow.pdf (12470 kB)
Slideshow
Voices of Rebellion_Exit Ticket.pdf (45 kB)
Exit Ticket
Voices of Rebellion_MMOWP Lyric Sheet.pdf (49 kB)
MMOWP Lyric Sheet
Voices of Rebellion_Rebel Girl Lyric Sheet.pdf (42 kB)
Rebel Girl Lyric Sheet
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