African Cultural Studies 233: Global HipHop and Social Justice

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.