HIP HOP STUDIES: HIP HOP'S SOCIAL CONSCIOUSNESS (Grades 11-12)

HIP HOP STUDIES: HIP HOP'S SOCIAL CONSCIOUSNESS (Grades 11-12)
(ENG1040) 

We will begin to understand the art, culture, and politics of hip-hop by looking at the social movements and politics that inspired the birth of hip-hop as a form of art and music. From there, we will examine how hip-hop speaks about oppression, violence, identity, culture, and power. The course objectives center on examining: How has hip-hop been shaped by the experiences of Black/African Americans and other historically marginalized groups in the U.S.?  How can we appreciate the cultural, political, and artistic value of hip-hop (including verse, music, performance, & visual art)? What are some critiques of hip-hop culture? How has hip-hop served as a medium for artists and those who often feel invisible to express grievances about social conditions? This course is designed for hardcore hip-hop fans as well as those who don't know much about the genre but just enjoy music with a message.