Anthropology of Hip-Hop in a Global Perspective

Course Description:
The course covers the historical trajectory of hip-hop from its inception in New York City during the 1970’s in the form of four elements - break dancing, rap, turntablism, and graffiti art - to its contemporary identity as a global youth phenomenon. The historical development of hip-hop will be accompanied with the analysis of scholarly works ranging from contemporary academic research to old-school rap lyrics. Literature, lectures, films and multi-media projects will individually analyze each element and question the four-element paradigm that defines hip-hop today.  We will look at the role gender, class, and race play in the use of hip-hop as a tool for social change versus a capitalist marketing device. The course aims to re-structure stereotypes and offer a deeper perspective into how hip-hop simultaneously defines the identities of individuals as well as the consciousness of masses.

Readings:
Austin, Joe. 2001 Taking the Train: Youth, Urban Crisis, Graffiti. New York: Columbia University Press.

Chang, Jeff. 2005. Can’t Stop Won’t Stop: A History of the Hip-Hop Generation. St. Martin’s Press: New York.

Flores, Juan. 2000. From Bomba to Hip-Hop: Puerto Rican Culture and Latino Identity. New York: Columbia University Press..

Rose, Tricia. 1999. Black Noise: Rap Music and Black Culture in Contemporary America. Connecticut: Wesleyan University.

Required reading packet available at Paradigm Copies and E-Reserve.