Talkin’ Shit: The History of Hip-Hop

This course examines the origins and rise of one of the most prolific yet misunderstood forms of popular culture in American history.

$98.00 (or 2 Credits)

Description

Talkin’ Shit: The History of Hip-Hop

Instructor: Kamasi Hill
Tuesdays
January 26, February 2, and February 9, 2021
8:30 PM Eastern / 5:30 PM Pacific
Each session will run between 2 and 2.5 hours

Each session will be recorded and immediately available for streaming for participants who are unable to attend a session

This course examines the origins and rise of one of the most prolific yet misunderstood forms of popular culture in American history. 

Throughout its rise from the streets of the South Bronx to global pre-eminence, hip-hop has consistently challenged the norms of “respectable” society with its relentless critique of authority and hierarchies, volatile discourse, and unabashed celebrations of material culture and the pleasures of the body.

This course will analyze hip-hop as an art form, dig into the content and impact of its artists and songs, explore its impact on society, and examine what it reveals about the culture and world we live in. 

 

Course Schedule

Session 1: Tuesday, January 26, 8:30 PM Eastern

  • Working-class culture in Jamaica and the United States
  • The history and culture of “toasts”
  • Post-Vietnam New York City and the rise of hip-hop before rap

Session 2: Tuesday, February 2, 8:30 PM Eastern

  • Hip-Hop as a response to black respectability, drugs, and religion during the Reagan Era
  • Lynne Cheney, Al Sharpton, feminists, and other enemies of hip-hop
  • The promise and limitations of “conscious” rap

Session 3: Tuesday, February 9, 8:30 PM Eastern

  • Gangsta Rap and the irony of the decline of violence
  • Sexual agency and the misplaced discourse around gender
  • Hip-hop in the 21st century and its transnational impact

$98.00 (or 2 Credits)

Join an RU tier to enroll in this course.

  • Level 1 members receive 1 credit with their membership. Purchase additional credits to enroll in multi-credit courses.
  • Level 2 members receive 6 credits with their membership.
  • Level 3 memberships receive 10 credits with their memberhsip.
Click the Join RU button above to get started!

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Level 1

Get Started
$ 49
Yearly
  • Unlimited access to all video courses
  • 1 credit, redeemable on
    Courses, RU Live, and Office Hours
  • Discounts on additional credits for Courses, RU Live, and Office Hours​
  • Full access to The Quad

Level 2

Get Interactive
$ 249
Yearly
  • Unlimited access to all video courses
  • 6 credits, redeemable on
    Courses, RU Live, and Office Hours
  • Discounts on additional credits for Courses, RU Live, and Office Hours​
  • Full access to The Quad

Level 3

Get Unlimited
$ 949
Yearly
  • Unlimited access to all video courses
  • 10 credits, redeemable on
    RU Live, and Office Hours
  • Discounts on additional credits
    for RU Live and Office Hours​
  • Full access to The Quad