Hip Hop: Poetry, Politics, and Pop Culture

Catalog description

This course draws connections between rap, oral traditions, and African American poetry. The course also explores hip hop’s intersection with commerce, social policy, ethics, and civic engagement. Students will read articles, watch videos, and listen to podcasts addressing not only artistry, but also such issues as censorship, sexism, obscenity, social responsibility, and race politics in the U.S. as they relate to hip hop culture. Students will write essays, reports, and raps, and will also engage in service learning projects.