HIP-HOP AND CONTEMPORARY AMERICAN SOCIETY

AFRICAN/AFROAMER 220

Explores how HipHop, a quintessential manifestation of African American culture, is adopted and adapted by African youth to fight for social justice and democracy in their local contexts, while at the same time constructing a diasporic African sensibility and "cultural citizenship" that transcends boarders and oceans. Beginning with the history, culture, and politics of HipHop in the U.S., we compare and contrast HipHop's development in Africa with specific attention to Senegal. Explores the the youth culture and politics in Senegal and the ongoing process of cross-cultural flows and hybridity.

AFROAMER 156

Examines the interaction between African American musical culture and its historical context, with an emphasis on the period from 1920 to the present.

AFRICAN/AFROAMER 233

Critical interrogation of the relationship between HipHop and social justice. What is "HipHop," what is "social justice," what is their relationship, how can HipHop can be an effective force for social justice, and what obstacles mitigate against this potential? Discussions will develop familiarity with important concepts in Black studies and social theory such as race and colonialism, imperialism and hegemony, structure and agency, identity and strategic essentialism. Consider the race/class/gender dimensions of weekly topics, acquire a broader familiarity with HipHop activism, and develop new conceptual tools and critical thinking skills.

AFROAMER 151

Survey of the characteristics and problems of African Americans in contemporary society.

AFROAMER 673

An intensive analysis of specific societal themes in African Americans' experiences.