The Hip-Hop Generation: Power, Identity, & Social Change

This 300-level course investigates the social, cultural, and political dynamics of the hip-hop generation. Hip-hop is used to frame the analysis of U.S. and urban "social problems" since the late 1970s. This seminar/research practicum is designed to give students an introduction to the socio-historical roots and development of hip-hop, its impact on popular/youth culture, and its significance for understanding American society. During the semester, students will critically address major topics surrounding hip-hop including race-ethnicity, gender and sexuality, social class, segregation/mass-incarceration, politics, and education. Scholarly and popular texts, film, hip-hop music, and original student research projects will be used to gain a comprehensive understanding of these social issues.