Time Schedule:
Georgia M. Roberts
BIS 313
Bothell Campus
Examines a variety of issues involved in understanding different forms of media and their impact on our lives, in contexts spanning from local to global, using a wide range of theoretical, disciplinary, and methodological approaches.
Class description
Our theme for the quarter will be hip hop and the political imagination. KRS-One has often been quoted as saying, "Rap is something we do. Hip Hop is something we live." But what does it mean to "live" hip hop? What constitutes hip hop as a way of life and as a specific cultural movement? Are there differences between one who practices the four elements (mc, dj, b-boy/b-girl, graffiti artist) and the audience who simply consumes and/or listens to rap music? What kinds of social, political and cultural issues are on the table when artists, intellectuals and politicians talk about hip hop culture, or perhaps more precisely, the "hip hop generation" and/or "nation"? What are some of the features of hip hop's unique social and political imaginary?
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
Recommended preparation
Class assignments and grading
