This event is brought to you by the department of Lifelong Learning at Virginia Theological Seminary

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This Thursday evening course, divided into two parts, will meet online for a total of 10 sessions (5 per part) via Zoom, from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. eastern. Part 1 is from September 7 – October 5, and Part 2 is from October 19 – November 16, 2023. We suggest registering for both parts for the full experience (and to get the best value!) but either part is a great course that can stand on its own.

Prophetic Voices in Popular Culture (Part 1): 1939-1971 is the first of two parts of our course that will be looking at how songs of a time period from across the world and diverse cultures protested social conditions. It will examine the stories around the songs and make connections with the storylines of historic prophets and the times we live in. Each session will include listening to and discussing several songs, as well as opportunities for group singing. We will do a deep dive into the songs “Strange Fruit” and “What’s Going On”, and the artists Woody Guthrie and John Lennon. Interested class participants are encouraged to write a protest song of their own, and the course will provide ideas about how to do so.

Prophetic Voices in Popular Culture (Part 2): 1972-1982 is the second and final part of this two-part course that will continue looking at how songs of a time period from across the world and diverse cultures protested social conditions. It will follow the same format as Part 1 (see above) in looking at this later time period, but will also include the songs “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised” and “I Was Born This Way”, as well as the artists Stevie Wonder and Run DMC. Part 2, like Part 1, also provides ideas for those who are interested in writing lyrics and/or music for a protest song of their very own.