Studying the Cold War through songs (1980-1985)

Abstract

Among the possible types of sources that can be used in the teaching of history, songs represent an alternative way to involve students in the deepening of values, practices, ideals and conflicts that inform and structure a historical culture and the social relations at its internal. The songs have several advantages: they are widely and transversally spread, they have a short duration which allows, from an educational point of view, a complete use in a short time and a high availability, also thanks to the different digital platforms. As an expressive form, however, the song stimulates a fruitful connection between its content and the emotional experience of the student, often revealing personal keys to reading the contents. This contribution presents a chance of using Italian songs relating to the years 1980-1985 to analyze the events of the period of the so-called Second Cold War, when the level of global atomic risk reached its peak.