Jerry, that's a great idea -- I know I'd learn more from that format than from a song swap.
As to "The Last Minstrel Show," I think what does it for me is the way the writer shows insider details, what a person in that position would see and feel, without a lot of explanation. Just draws you right into that world, or at least makes you feel like you understand it some.
Now off to do my homework and come up with my own suggestion for the class to discuss. :-)
-HM