POP-CULTURE INTERVIEW
For the next few weeks, we will research, examine, prepare and teach a lesson about
contemporary American history (1970-present). Our final project will be a lesson on one of
the decades. The lesson will be a minimum of 20 minutes long. Each decade in this time
period was marked by unique cultural characteristics that influenced the everyday lives of
many Americans.
Homework: You will be responsible for interviewing a family member/friend about the
characteristics of one of the decade your group will teach. You can use this interview
information to help plan and create your lesson:
1970s
1980s
1990s
2000s
Name of person interviewed: _________________________________________
Relationship to me: _________________________________________________
Interview Questions:
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Music
 What were the popular styles/genres of music?
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What was your favorite style/genre of music?
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Who were the popular singers/bands?
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Who were your favorite singers/bands?
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What was your favorite song?
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What was a song you heard over and over on the radio?
Television & Movies
 What were the popular t.v. shows?
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What was your favorite t.v. show?
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Can you remember the theme music/song from a t.v. show?
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What was a popular Saturday morning cartoon?
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What were the popular movies?
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What was your favorite movie?
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Who were the famous movie stars?
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Did you have a crush on a movie star?
Fashion
 What were the popular styles of clothing?
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How did you dress?
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How did people style their hair?
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What is one big fashion trend that you today would be looked at as silly?
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Do you have any pictures of yourself from this decade? Can I see them?
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Slang
 What type of slang did you use?
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Technology & Innovations
 Can you remember any important inventions/technology that influenced you?
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Dances
 What styles of dances were popular?
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Recreation
 What did you do for fun?
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Where did you hang out with your friends?
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What did kids do on weekends for fun?
Automobiles
 What types of cars did people drive?

o
Can you demonstrate a popular dance?
Did you have a car?
Where were you when?
 What events happened during this decade that stand out to you?
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Do you remember where you were when this event occurred?