Tell the students that they will be learning about Leonard Cohen through the CBC Digital Archives Web site. Read aloud the introduction to the Leonard Cohen section from the site. Have students, in groups of three, brainstorm 10 questions that they think the Web site will answer about Cohen. They can record their questions on chart paper which can be posted in the classroom.
Next, discuss the term “cultural icon,” which is used in the introduction to describe Cohen. Ask students to brainstorm synonyms for this term, then have them use a dictionary and thesaurus to discover more synonyms. Write the synonyms on the board.
Have students visit the Leonard Cohen topic on the CBC Digital Archives Web site. They should have their pens and notebooks with them. Ask them to read the introduction to the topic carefully and then scan the remainder of the topic for 15 minutes. They should note, and support with cited details, why they think the term “cultural icon” is applied to Cohen. As well, they can list any other Canadians to whom this term can be applied.
Depending on the age, experience, or ability of your students, reduce or increase the time for exploration.
Have students report their findings to the class. Discuss as a class why the term “cultural icon” is used for Cohen and what has made him a cultural icon. Ask students to explain their other choices for Canadian cultural icons. Follow-up questions may include: What is the difference between an icon and a cultural icon? What does it mean to be a cultural icon in Canada? How do you become a cultural icon? What role do media play in promoting cultural icons?
You may wish to add to the chart paper any questions that students still have about Leonard Cohen that they would like to explore through the use of this Web site. Together, the class can also cross off the questions for which they found answers.
Add to this study and to students’ appreciation of Cohen by playing some of his music to the class. Some sources include:
The Best of Leonard Cohen. CBC Music, 1974.
Leonard Cohen: I'm Your Man. CBC Music, 1988.
Ten New Songs. Sony, 2001.
Tower of Song: The Songs of Leonard Cohen. Polygram, A & M Records, 1995.
