Lecturer
Tracian Meikle and Simone Zeefuik
Period Duration
Week 2-17 Blocks 3 and 4
ECD1, 30 hours
Competencies
3,5,6
Summary
In this course, we will be examining two musical forms that have a strong dance culture - dancehall and hip-hop. Dancehall comes out of Jamaica, while hip hop comes out of the United States, but both genres are related, not only because they are developed by Black populations, but also due to their shared history. We will be exploring the culture of both genres of music, engaging especially with the visual culture that comes out both forms. We journey from music videos to posters to street art as a means of engaging with aesthetic, historical, cultural and ideological aspects of dancehall and hip hop.
Content and design of the class
The first class will offer an Introduction to hip hop and dancehall and the importance of visual culture in the diasporic black experience. The course will be devided in the hip-hop segment, taught by Simone Zeefuik and the dancehall segment taught by Tracian Meikle. In each we will start from an overview of the visual culture of the genre and the culture's main tropes throughout the history. Through a detailed analysis of case studies we will unpack specific artistic forms and concepts and their historical, ideological and cultural implications.
Learning Goals
Student:
- Has the ability to undertake research with an investigative attitude
- Is able to critically analyse artistic work using theory and knowledge
- Has Awareness of different cultural practices and ability to apply knowledge
- Participates in discussions and engages in class
- Is able to articulate ideas clearly and comprehensively
- Questions ideas in a way that shows interest and engagement with topic
- Shows an openness to different ideas and artistic practices
- Is able to link cultural and social history to different artistic practices
- Has a broader understanding of different cultural practices
Working Methods Used
The course will be structured through a combination of lectures, readings, watching documentary films and discussions.
References
The full syllabus with the reference list will be communicated at the start of the course
Study Material
Notebook, pencil /pen, computer, video documentaries, books, articles
Assessment
Students will be put in groups and present on the history and cultural context of a video that hasn’t already been discussed in class from either genre.
Learning Goals in the class contribute to the overall development of the competency indicators
3.2 / 3.4 / 5.1 / 5.2 / 6.2 / 6.