MUS 260 History of Hip-Hop and Rap Music

Explores the musical, social and cultural aspects of hip-hop and rap music from its birth in the 1970's to its development through today, while learning about important artists in this style. We will identify and analyze complex practices, values and beliefs and the cultural and historically defined meanings of difference in the hip-hop world and explore how culturally-based assumptions influence perceptions related to hip-hop culture and rap music. We will explore how these culturally-based assumptions influence perceptions and stigmas relating to hip-hop culture and compare/contrast attitudes and values of specific eras of this culture. We will analyze pertinent artists, events and landmark recordings in this process.

Credits

3

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1. Demonstrate ability to identify rap music and its subgenres by stylistic traits and key contributions of most significant hip-hop and rap artists
2. Demonstrate an understanding of hip-hop and rap music history and its relationship to society from its birth in the mid 1970’s through today
3. Identify, evaluate and study the roles of African American culture in hip-hop and rap music
4. Describe the impact of hip-hop culture and rap music on individuals, local communities, the United States and the world as a whole