AP/HUMA 3165 3.00

Griots to Emcees: Examining Culture, Performance and Spoken Word

This course explores the form, function and content of spoken word, in terms of language, rhythm, historical developments, social-political contexts, as well as key artists of poetry, rap, dub, slam, lyricism and spoken word as live and direct purveyors of culture. Students explore the varied modes of oral/aural dissemination—including the stage, the page, audio recording, theatre, film and digital media—and analyze orality and voice as tools of cultural affirmation and resistance. The course includes a writing/performance intensive component.