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CS92PROD
Black Popular Culture
AFAM 304
Spring 2008
Section: 01  
Crosslisting: AMST 309

We will begin with an in-depth study of the field of black cultural studies and how it has identified the academic disassociation of "black," "popular culture," and "cultural studies" as inadequate. This will lead to a deconstruction of the terminology and the re-construction (or rejection) of several class-generated models. Several germinal texts will lead our way, both print and primary. Subsequently, we will focus on the most recent academic contribution to black popular culture studies, Harry J. Elam, Jr. and Kennell Jackson's BLACK CULTURAL TRAFFIC. With the guidance of the book, we will investigate the international examples presented in its chapters, ranging from Manthia Diawara's recounting of his youth in Bamado listening to Malick Sidebé and James Brown to Kobena Mercer's musings on Diasporic Aesthetics and Visual Culture to Tim'm T. West's use of José Muñoz's theory of disidentification and the pressure on "keepin' it real." The class will then develop its own models of study, both national and international, culminating in multimedia final presentations.

Essential Capabilities: None
Credit: 1 Gen Ed Area Dept: SBS AFAM
Course Format: Lecture / DiscussionGrading Mode: Graded
Level: UGRD Prerequisites: None
Fulfills a Major Requirement for: None
Past Enrollment Probability: Not Available

Last Updated on MAR-29-2024
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