Kygo & Classics: Utilizing Modern Music and Ancient Art to Enhance Understanding of Classical Texts and Teach Empathy  

Edythe Malara-Lutjen (North Colonie Central School District)

Abstract

This paper examines the enhancement of comprehension and engagement among high school Latin students through the establishment of emotional connections with ancient texts. It underscores the pedagogical utility of modern music by Kygo (2022) and ancient Graeco-Roman art as instructional aids in the teaching of excerpts from The Aeneid and The Odyssey.  Three pivotal components are emphasized to bolster student engagement and empathy in the high school Latin classroom:

Firstly, a comprehensive multimedia repertoire drawing from both ancient and contemporary sources is provided to cater to diverse learning styles inherent in each classroom setting (Negar Sadat Ahmadi et al., 2017).

Secondly, an approach rooted in Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is integrated into the instruction of ancient texts, thereby equipping students with the capacity to access and comprehend emotions both ancient and modern, fostering empathy as an integral facet of the Latin classroom experience (Chandler, 2022).

Thirdly, the utilization of culturally responsive media from both ancient and modern contexts is advocated, with the aim of not only reflecting the diversity of the ancient world but also mirroring the multifaceted identities of students within the classroom (NYSED, 2018).

The enduring vitality of Classics necessitates the accessibility and resonance of the content with all students. Attaining this objective involves thoughtful lesson planning that prioritizes the accommodation of diverse learning styles, the adherence of SEL standards, and the deliberate incorporation of culturally responsive materials.  Such pedagogical approaches facilitate broader comprehension and engagement with the content, instilling emotional intelligence and empathy in students, and fostering a sense of belonging (NYSED, 2022).

Ultimately, conscientious lesson planning gives students permission to access understanding, connect emotionally, and see themselves within the content, while also enhancing personal connections to the study of Classics, thereby promoting heightened classroom engagement. Such personal connections are instrumental in increasing the likelihood of students pursuing further studies in Classics–ensuring the discipline’s sustained vigor and relevance.

References

Chandler, A. (2022). FLEXIBLE SEL CLASSROOM : practical ways to build social emotional learning. (2nd edition). Routledge.

Kygo, & Lewis, D. (2022, July 1). Never Really Loved Me. In www.youtube.com. Kygo, Stewart . https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSzJTIFHI1I

Negar Sadat Ahmadi, S., Gilakjani, A., & Ahmadi, S. (2017). Paper title: The Effect of Visual, Auditory, and Kinaesthetic Learning Styles on Language Teaching

New York State Education Department. (2022). New York State Social Emotional Learning Goals 2022. https://www.p12.nysed.gov/sss/documents/SELBenchmarks2022.pdf

NYSED Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Education Framework. (2018, January). New York State Education Department. https://www.nysed.gov/sites/default/files/programs/crs/culturally-responsive-sustaining-education-framework.pdf