Beyonce Gets A College Course
"Bootylicious" meets "The Color Purple" in a new college course based upon the musical repertoire and career of Beyoncé. Taught by Kevin Allred, a doctoral student and lecturer in the Department of Women's and Gender Studies, the class “Politicizing Beyoncé" aims to showcase how the superstar's music and career can help students understand race, gender, feminism and politics in America. “This isn’t a course about Beyoncé’s political engagement or how many times she performed during President Obama’s inauguration weekend,” Allred says. He juxtaposes Beyoncé’s music videos and lyrics with readings from notables like Alice Walker and Sojourner Truth and according to Rutgers' Focus, "Course topics include the extent of Beyoncé’s control over her own aesthetic, whether her often half-naked body is empowered or stereotypical, and her more racy performances as her alter ego, “Sasha Fierce.” In-class discussions often lead to other vocalists, including Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, Lady Gaga, and contemporary musicians who embrace the soul singing tradition like Adele and the late Amy Winehouse."
Source:www.mtv.com
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