Reading Cultures in French (211-0-20)

Topic

Hip Hop in French

Instructors

Noran Mohamed

Meeting Info

University Hall 112: Mon, Wed, Fri 10:00AM - 10:50AM

Overview of class

From its inception in the Bronx in the 70's, hip hop as art form and cultural movement has evolved as "an uncompromising prism for critique, social and political analysis and representation of marginalized and underrepresented communities throughout the world." Today, hip hop and rap are two of the most streamed genres in the world and the second largest group of hip hop and rap consumers are located in France. This course serves as an introduction to French and francophone culture and politics through the lens of hip-hop, music, and cinema. We will examine the intersections between hip hop, local literary practices, and political contexts which allows for the emergence of different varieties of francophone hip hop. We will explore how these different forms of aesthetic production critique and contribute to a number of public debates on topics such as French republicanism, national identity, im/migration, as well as language, economic hardship, and colonialism. By taking hip hop as our point of departure, we will gain a broader understanding of how individuals produce meaning about the everyday though language and artistic creation.

Class Materials (Required)

All Course Material will be available digitally on Canvas.

Class Attributes

Literature & Fine Arts Distro Area

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Prerequisite: Students must have completed FRENCH 202-0 or a test score of 5 in AP French. Other students may register with instructor permission.