Why is music such a powerful tool for protest and social justice? How has it played a role in nonviolent resistance movements? Drawing on theories from the fields of nonviolent conflict, music therapy, and social change, this new class will delve into inspirational cases from around the world, yesterday and today. Music is Social Justice Movements will be taught on Sundays, March 4, 11, and 18 from 11:15 to noon in the Kathie Stuart Room of Hancock Church.
Taught by Dr. Elke Jahns-Harms, the class will look at how music shaped the civil rights movements in the US and South Africa, and helped overcome brutal dictatorships in Tunisia, Chile, and Estonia. Participants will listen to songs from today’s struggles around climate change and social justice, and may sing a song or two themselves! Each session will include presentations, discussions, music videos and excerpts from powerful documentaries.
Elke Jahns-Harms teaches Music and Social Change at the New England Conservatory and Development Aid in Policy and Practice at The Fletcher School at Tufts University, as well as a number of courses at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Tufts. She holds a PhD in International Development from The Fletcher School at Tufts University, a Master’s in Music, a Master of Public Affairs, and a B.A. in Geology and Environmental Science. Elke has worked in Central and South America, East Africa, and Antarctica, on projects related to poverty alleviation, environmental protection, HIV/AIDS, gender equality, and music education.
Music is Social Justice Movements is free of charge, open to all, and the church is handicap accessible. For further information, please call 781-862-4220.
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