THE LANGUAGE OF REGGAETÓN: RACE, GENDER & CARIBBEAN FLOWS

Catalog description

This course applies theories and methods from the field of linguistics to the analysis of reggaetón and its surrounding cultural practices. It explores ties between language, race, gender, sexuality, and latinidad as connected to this musical form. This course involves a deep-dive into this Afro-Latino genre, which has evolved from its origins in Puerto Rico and Panamá - including its roots in West Africa, Jamaica, and other locals within the Black diaspora - to a global musical phenomenon. Students will analyze "El Movimiento" through various levels of linguistic and social analysis: structural linguistics (phonetics, phonology, morphosyntax, lexicography, etc.), discourse analysis, sociocultural and linguistic anthropology, critical race theory, and feminist & queer theory. (Cross-listed with SPAN 4540 ).