Topics in African-American Studies (380-0-23)
Topic
Problematic Faves(?): Race/Gender in Pop Media
Instructors
Mustafa Mohammed Siddiqui
Meeting Info
Kresge Centennial Hall 2-430: Tues, Thurs 9:30AM - 10:50AM
Overview of class
How does pop music illuminate the structural violences of race, gender, and sexuality that we navigate on a daily basis? In mining the "problematic" in pop culture, as well as the resistive work of marginalized artists, this course will explore the lyrical, sonic, and visual worldmaking enacted by contemporary pop musicians in order to make sense of the myriad roles that pop culture and media play in the production, reproduction, and maintenance of power and social operations. Students can expect to engage the work of artists such as Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, Frank Ocean, SZA, and Charli XCX (amongst others) alongside texts from a diverse range of fields including Black studies, performance studies, and gender and sexuality studies. Evaluation methods include discussion posts, a short written midterm assignment, and a final creative playlisting project.
Learning Objectives
- Apply core concepts from course curriculum in conversation with one another to produce nuanced analyses of the imbrication (or enmeshment) of race, gender, and sexuality (amongst other structures of power)
- Conceptualize and enrich understandings of structures of power as diffuse and atmospheric, as produced and reproduced, as relational and contextually malleable, rather than simply enforced top down
- Articulate an understanding of pop media as not simply reflective of structures of power, or on the other hand functioning solely to produce, manage, or disrupt violence, but rather as implicated, immersed, and involved in systemic social operations
- Exhibit critical thinking skills, writing skills, and oratory/presentation skills as a means of presenting analysis of course curriculum
Class Materials (Required)
- Required materials: A device on which one can access the internet and type (computer, tablet, etc).
- No required texts; All PDFs and media will be accessible through Canvas. Everyone in class will need to have access to a Spotify account (a free account will suffice)
Class Notes
Attendance at first class is mandatory.
Class Attributes
Literature and Arts Foundational Discipline
Literature & Fine Arts Distro Area