MUS 2 — Rap and Hip Hop Culture (3.00 units)
This course traces the social, historical, and cultural influences of rap and hip-hop as an artistic form and global cultural phenomenon. It is designed for students who wish to examine and explore hip-hop culture while developing background knowledge of hip-hop history. The course will explore hip-hop’s global impact and how it has developed as an art form. Key performers, producers, and movement voices are highlighted. The connections between rap music and other elements of hip-hop culture will be explored and students will be challenged to think critically about rap music and its place in society. Various societal issues within rap and hip-hop will be thoroughly examined, including race, sexuality, class, authenticity, violence, gender, censorship, and politics.