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Overview:
Set during World War II, "South Pacific" tells the story of two couples torn by racial prejudice and the demands of the war. In this lesson, the students will study the basic history of World War II, including geography, the Japanese involvement, and the Allied campaign in the South Pacific; examine the song "You've Got to Be Carefully Taught" in terms of its thematic significance in the musical, the controversy it presented in post-World War II America, and the message it offers to today's audiences; analyze the historical significance of the musical in relation to its commentary on racial prejudice and compare it with some of the controversial movies, plays, and musicals of the past decade; and compare and contrast the characters Nellie Forbush and Lt. Joe Cable.
Time Allotment:
Approximately seven 45-minute class periods.
Subject Matter:
Social Studies, World History, Theater, and Language Arts
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Students will:
1. Utilize Internet resources to conduct research about the geography and events surrounding the Allied campaign in the South Pacific during World War II.
2. Utilize critical viewing and note-taking skills to record details related to elements of literature, including characterization and theme.
3. Draw conclusions about the historical and thematic significance of the musical "South Pacific."
4. Participate in several class discussions related to World War II history, elements of literature, the historical significance of "South Pacific," and the effect of its thematic message on audiences, among other topics.
5. Construct Venn diagrams or similar graphic organizers that allow the students to compare and contrast the main characters from "South Pacific."
6. Work in groups to rewrite scenes from "South Pacific" by making changes in setting and historical facts and analyzing how this affects the thematic impact of the story line presented in the musical.
Materials:
A copy of GREAT PERFORMANCES' "South Pacific" in Concert from Carnegie Hall
Student Activity Sheet
Viewing Guide
Blank paper for constructing Venn diagrams
Pencils or pens
Prep for Teachers:
- Begin by previewing the program for content.
- Confirm functional Internet access and accessibility of bookmarked sites.
- Prior to viewing GREAT PERFORMANCES' "South Pacific" in Concert from Carnegie Hall (check local listings), explain to the students that this is a concert adaptation of the musical, so the performance showcases the songs and music and tells the story in an abbreviated narrative form rather than performing the musical with sets, costumes, props, elaborate dance steps, etc. such as people are accustomed to when watching a musical production.
Bookmark the following sites:
R&H Theatricals: "South Pacific"
http://www.rnh.com/theatricals/show.php?show_id=37
TheatreHistory.com: "South Pacific"
http://www.theatrehistory.com/american/musical012.html
Musicals101.com: History of the Musical Stage: 1940s: Part IV: "South Pacific"
http://www.musicals101.com/1940bway4.htm#South
PBS.org: AMERICAN EXPERIENCE: Victory in the Pacific
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/pacific/index.html
PBS.org: AMERICAN EXPERIENCE: Victory in the Pacific: Maps: World War II in the Pacific
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/pacific/maps/maps_02.html
PBS.org: The Perilous Fight: America's World War II in Color
http://www.pbs.org/perilousfight/
PBS.org: AMERICAN EXPERIENCE: Bataan Rescue
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/bataan/index.html
Grove Music Online
http://www.grovemusic.com
STANDARDS:
United States History
http://www.mcrel.org/compendium/standardDetails.asp?subjectID=5&standardID=25
Understands the causes and course of World War II, the character of the war at home and abroad, and of the U.S. role in world affairs.
World History
http://www.mcrel.org/compendium/standardDetails.asp?subjectID=6&standardID=41
Understands the causes and global consequences of World War II.
Art Connections
http://www.mcrel.org/compendium/standardDetails.asp?subjectID=9&standardID=1
Understands connections among the various art forms and other disciplines.
Theater
http://www.mcrel.org/compendium/standardDetails.asp?subjectID=12&standardID=3
Designs and produces informal and formal productions.
http://www.mcrel.org/compendium/standardDetails.asp?subjectID=12&standardID=6
Understand the context in which theater, film, television, and electronic media are performed today as well as in the past.
Music
http://www.mcrel.org/compendium/standardDetails.asp?subjectID=11&standardID=7
Understands the relationship between music and history and culture.
Language Arts
http://www.mcrel.org/compendium/SubjectTopics.asp?SubjectID=7
Writing
Uses the general skills and strategies of the writing process.
Gathers and uses information for research purposes.
Reading
Uses the general skills and strategies of the reading process.
Uses reading skills and strategies to understand and interpret a variety of literary texts.
Uses reading skills and strategies to understand and interpret a variety of informational texts.
Listening and Speaking
Uses listening and speaking strategies for different purposes.
Viewing
Uses viewing skills and strategies to understand and interpret visual media.
Working with Others
http://www.mcrel.org/compendium/standardDetails.asp?subjectID=22&standardID=4
Displays effective interpersonal communication skills.
This lesson was prepared by Lisa Prososki, an independent educational consultant and instructional design specialist who taught middle school and high school social studies, English, reading, and technology courses for 12 years.
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