Black Music and Sports

Catalog description

Sports and music have significantly shaped American socio-cultural dynamics, from Paul Robeson's prominence as a concert artist and football player to quarterback Colin Kaepernick's protest during the national anthem in 2016. This course examines the intersection of sports, music, and race within United States popular culture. We will consider how sports and music have historically been among the first spaces that have enabled African Americans to break the color line, serving as measures of race relations. Key topics include the historical relationship between sports and music and issues of gender, class, race, and religion. We will also consider how race, criminal justice, politics, patriotism, and militarism shape audience perceptions of athletes and musicians. Additionally, we will consider the role of capitalism and exploitation, particularly in treating musicians and athletes as "property." Furthermore, we will investigate the complexities of Black athleticism and musicianship, challenging stereotypes and examining media coverage from the early 20th century to the present. More specifically, we will consider how sports and music are represented across various cultural mediums, including TV, film, podcasts, and social media, and how these representations impact public perceptions. Our explorations will draw from multiple academic disciplines, including (ethno)musicology, gender and sexuality, Black cultural production, and performance dance studies. Overall, equipped with analytical tools and theoretical frameworks, students will be prepared for further research and critical inquiry into the broader study of United States popular culture.