Anthropology of Hip-Hop in a Global Perspective

The course covers the historical trajectory of hip-hop from its inception in the post-civil rights era of New York City during the fiscal crises of the 1970’s in the form of four elements - break dancing, rap, turntablism, and graffiti art - to its contemporary identity as a global youth phenomenon.  The historical development of hip-hop is accompanied with the analysis of scholarly works ranging from contemporary academic research to old-school rap lyrics. Literature, lectures, legal cases, films and multi-media projects individually analyze each element and question the four-element paradigm that defines hip-hop today.  The course looks at the role gender, class, and race play in the use of hip-hop as a tool for social change while simultaneously used as a corporate marketing device.  The course aims to re-structure stereotypes and offer a deeper perspective into how hip-hop defines the identities of individuals as well as the consciousness of masses.