The Rhetoric of Hip Hop: #BlackLivesMatter and the Rhetoric of Hip Hop

#Black Lives Matter and the Rhetoric of Hip Hop

Spring 2016
Professor: Dr. Andre E. Johnson
E-Mail: johnsona2@rhodes.edu
Office Hours: By Appt.

Course Description: The hip-hop generation has moved from being a sub-culture hidden on the decadent and decaying streets of inner city America to society affording it full fledge acceptance and mainstream status in the wider culture. Since it is evident that hip-hop “speaks” to a diverse group of people, this class will track hip-hop’s move into mainstream America by studying its persuasive, identifying, and constitutive features and effects. In our study of hip hop, we will also locate hip hop’s role in the Black Lives Matter (BLM) campaign. Created in 2013 after the acquittal of George Zimmerman and becoming more pronounced during the Ferguson Fiasco, BLM grounds itself in the “experiences of Black people in this country who actively resist de-humanization.” Moreover, according to their website, BLM is a “call to action and a response to the virulent anti-Black racism that permeates our society.” Therefore, by focusing on hip-hop’s written texts (rap lyrics, spoken word, graffiti, interviews, etc.) and other features that make up hip-hop; breakdancing, dj-ing, videos, clothes, and hip-hop’s overall style, we will examine the Black Lives Matter campaign through the lens of hip hop and critically ask, as the assault on Black lives seems to go unabated, “Do Black Lives Matter?”

Some Course Goals and Objectives: In addition to understanding the Black Lives Matter Campaign:

Students will understand the history, origins, and the socio-economic conditions that gave rise to hip hop
Students will examine the role of race and identity in hip hop
Students will examine other phenomenon through the lens of a hip hop ethic
Students will distinguish between the different and divergent views of feminism within hip hop and understand the role gender and sexualities play within hip hop discourse
Students will explain the role of the prison industrial complex within hip hop culture
Students will examine the role of religion in hip hop

Required Texts:

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

Murray Foreman and Mark Anthony Neal. That’s the Joint!: The Hip Hop Studies Reader. (Rutledge Press, New York, 2012) **Make sure that it is the Second Edition

*There will be opportunities to receive extra credit throughout the course.

Blog Comments: I expect students every week to make at least four (4) comments on any blog post on the Rhetoric Race and Religion blog starting the second full week of class. If the student completes the assignment, the student will receive 10 points added to the total points of her or his final grade. If the student does not complete the assignment, she or he will lose 10 total points from her or his final grade.

*I encourage students to submit blog posts to R3. If we accept the post, the student will receive 10 points added to her or his final grade.

Class Policies:

· This syllabus is subject to change.

· I strongly encourage you to consult the Writing Center for help with your writing assignments.

· I expect you to attend class and arrive on time. A medical professional should document any illnesses. I will allow you to make up missed work only if you provide medical documentation.

· We will take the Honor Code very seriously. You can read the policy here.

· We will all benefit if you are an active and respectful participant in the class, do the readings before class, and keep up with the news daily.

· Attendance Policy: I allow students two (2) unexcused absences. After that, each absence is a five (5)-point deduction from the student’s total points in the class.

· Make-up policy: If you miss a deadline for a documented illness or college-sponsored event you may submit your assignment before the scheduled due date when possible, or soon after in rare, documented instances.

· If you are a student athlete, please inform me if there will be conflicts and prepare to complete assignments early.

· The best way to get in touch with me is via email.

Assignments (You must submit all assignment to turnitin.com by the start of the class)

Chapter Review and Reflections: I expect students to submit a 400-600 word review on assigned chapters. As part of the reflection, students must incorporate some element of BLM. Students will also offer a presentation of the assignment.

Classroom Discussions: I will divide students into groups for discussion on assigned readings.

Book Review: Students will write a 6-8 page book review on any assigned books. If a student wants to write a review on a book not listed, she or he must have permission from the professor. See the book list here.

Final: Students will choose one of the following:

1. Student can write a 12 page paper on any topic, theme figure related to hip hop and Black Lives Matter.

2. Student can create a project proposal.

3. Students can create a performance or any other art that incorporates Black Lives Matter and Hip Hop

Schedule Topics and Readings

Note: All assignments are in bold type and are to be completed before class on the day they are assigned in the schedule. Please bring your books or readings to class for reference during discussions. Written assignments are due at the beginning of class on the date specified in the syllabus.

Thursday January 14th

Introduction, Hip Hop and Black Lives Matter

Week 1:

Seminal Works in Hip Hop and Black Lives Matter

January 19th

Seminal Works in Hip Hop Studies

January 21st

Black Lives Matter

Watch: Alicia Garza: A History of Black Lives Matter

These 6 Rappers Are the Defining Voices of #BlackLivesMatter

Week 2:

Origins of Hip Hop