DESCRIPTION: This course introduces the basic issues of a Christian interpretation of hip hop culture and the major theological and biblical perspectives that have been developed in approaching hip hop culture. The purpose is to develop a hip hop cultural literacy and a practical and biblical wisdom whereby cultural artifacts may be understood and engaged. A major part of the course will focus on particular cultural "texts" in order to practice strategies of reading and interpretation that are informed by Christian perspectives.

COURSE OBJECTIVES/LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students will (1) gain a working definition of hip hop culture; (2) understand the range of theological options and the reasons for this diversity as it relates to hip hop culture and theology; (3) develop their own theology in conversation with hip hop culture; (4) understand the role hip hop culture plays in the construction of a theological frame outside and inside the Christian church; (5) appreciate the importance of interpreting culture and how that can and should inform priorities for ministry.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: Hip hop culture is experiencing a sea change that has implications for everything Christians do, from evangelism to worship and spiritual practices. Still Christians have often not taken the trouble to develop an ability to interpret culture with sensitivity and to adjust their ministry priorities accordingly. This course seeks to provide tools for making this adjustment.

COURSE FORMAT: The course will meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions. Class time will be divided among introductory comments by the professor, discussion of the reading, careful viewing and/or review of the cultural "text" for the day, and discussion and interaction with the students. Focus will be on interpretation of the texts, but attention will also be given to the theological and cultural resources necessary for developing interpretive and application skills. It should be noted that we will be watching hip hop videos and listening to rap music that would be considered explicit. The course engages hip hop in the form that people in the real world consume the art.

REQUIRED READING:

Cone, James. The Spirituals and the Blues. Orbis Books, 1998.

Dyson, Michael Eric. Holler if You Hear Me. Basic Civitas Books, 2001.

Fontaine, Smokey D. E.A.R..L.: The Autobiography of DMX. Harper Entertainment, 2003.

Fricke, Jim, and C. Hearn. Yes, Yes Y'all: Oral History of Hip-Hop's First Dance. Perseus Books, 2002.

Morgan, Joan. When Chickenheads Come Home to Roost: A Hip-Hop Feminist Breaks it Down. Simon & Schuster, 2000.

Sylvan, Robin. Traces of the Spirit: The Religious Dimensions of Popular Music. NYU Press, 2002.

Watkins, Ralph. The Gospel Remix: Reaching the Hip Hop Generation. Judson Press, 2006.

----------. Redemption in Hip Hop: Finding God in the Music and the Message (partial manuscript).

REQUIRED LISTENING (CDs): DMX, It's Dark and Hell is Hot (Def Jams, 1999); Lauryn Hill, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill (Ruffhouse Records, 1998); Tupac, 2Pacalypse Now (Interscope Records, 1991).

REQUIRED VIEWING (DVDs): Hip-Hop: Beyond Beats & Rhyme (Media Education Foundation, , 2006); Lauryn Hill Unplugged No. 2.0 ( MTV Films, 202); Rhyme & Reason (Miramax, 2000); The MC Why We Do It (Image Entertainment, 2004); Tupac Resurrection: In His Own Words (Paramount Pictures, 2003).