RTF 359 Black Popular Culture - W

Unique No. see course schedule

Faculty: Watkins

Class Time: TTH 930 - 1100

Room: NOA 1.102

Writing Comp: Y

Comm/Cult Req: Y

Closing Limit: 30

Cross-Listed AFR 320

PREREQUISITES

Must be an RTF major with a UT GPA of at least a 2.25 and have upper-division standing. The following coursework with a grade of at least C in each: RTF 305, either 314 or 316, and 6 additional semester hours of lower-division coursework in RTF.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

This course does not require consent. Registration is open via the online registration system to all RTF majors.

FIRST CLASS DAY POLICY

Students must attend the first TWO classes and be on time or they will be dropped.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

In this course we will explore the social and political aspects of black popular culture. Part One begins by surveying the changing contours of post-World War II America and the popular music landscape. Despite widespread racial segregation several developments challenged the racial boundaries of the 1950s and 1960s: African American migrations to industrial cities, pop radio formats, a growing youth consumer economy, white fascination with black expressive culture, and the civil rights movement. Part Two assesses network television's portrayal of black American life in the 1970s. A host of shows-Good Times, The Flip Wilson Show, Sanford & Son, and The Richard Pryor Show-brought to light the opportunities and obstacles facing blacks in television. Staying with the theme of television, Part Three considers the transformation of the industry in the late 1980s and mid-90s. Among other topics we consider the controversial debates surrounding The Cosby Show and the irreverent programming of the FOX network . Part Four takes a look at the intersection between race, popular culture, and sports. In what ways have black popular culture influenced sports and entertainment? In Part Five we survey the rise of hip-hop culture and ask how it has influenced both the tone and vitality of black popular culture. Part Six considers hip hop's impact in the worlds of popular music and film.