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Class number:
3021
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Title: Sociology of Hip Hop |
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Department: Sociology |
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Career: Undergraduate |
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Component: Seminar |
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Session: Regular |
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Instructor's Permission Required: No |
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Grading Basis: Regular |
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Units: 1.00 |
| Enrollment limited to 15 |
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Current enrollment: 5 |
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Available seats: 10 |
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Start date: Tuesday, January 20, 2026 |
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End date: Friday, May 8, 2026 |
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Mode of Instruction: In Person |
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Schedule: W: 1:30PM-4:10PM, TBA |
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Instructor(s): Hall, Rhys |
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Prerequisite(s): Prerequisite: C- or better in Sociology 101 |
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Distribution Requirement: Meets Social Sciences Requirement |
Course Description:
Sociology of Hip Hop exposes students to a decade-based approach to the origins and development of the popular music and cultural genre, beginning with its predecessors and the initial pillars of hip hop. We assess the significant technological developments of each era that pushed artistic expression and production to new levels, and students utilize weekly “song of the week” breakdowns to highlight an artist or style that resonates with them and is emblematic of key evolutions in the genre. Students will complete a final project that demonstrates budding mastery of one component of music creation or appreciation; show how broader sociological debates surrounding race, class, gender, sexuality and other social variables are taken up in lyrics, videos, and associated media; and consider how both fans and critics respond to, embody, and in some cases co-opt the imagery, affect, and political messages of hip hop. We will also consider what the future holds for the medium. |