Summer 2018/Pasadena

TC511

Watkins

TC511: THEOLOGY AND HIP HOP CULTURE. Ralph C. Watkins.

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.

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.

COURSE FORMAT: This class meets daily as a two-week intensive for four-hour sessions for a total of 40 hours in the classroom for lecture and discussion.

REQUIRED READING: 1,076 pages required.

Asante, Molefi K. It's Bigger than Hip-hop: The Rise of the Post-hip-hop Generation. St. Martin's, 2008. ISBN: 978-0312373269. Pub. Price: $25.95 [304 pp.].

Cone, James. The Spirituals and the Blues. 2nd. Ed. Orbis Books, 1992. ISBN: 978-0883448434. Pub. Price: $16.00 [152 pp.].

Dyson, Michael Eric., and Sohail Daulatzai. Born to Use Mics: Reading Nas's Illmatic. Basic Civitas, 2009. ISBN: 978-0465002115. Pub. Price: $15.95 [320 pp.].

Sylvan, Robin. Traces of the Spirit: The Religious Dimensions of Popular Music. NYU Press, 2002. ISBN: 978-0814798096. Pub. Price: $26.00 [300 pp.].

REQUIRED LISTENING (CDs): Lauryn Hill, The Mis­education of Lauryn Hill (Ruffhouse Records, 1998); Tupac, 2Pacalypse Now (Interscope Records, 1991); Ghetto Music: The Blueprint of Hip Hop, Boogie Down Productions (Jive, 1989); Nas, Illmatic (Sony, 1994).

REQUIRED VIEWING (DVDs): Rhyme & Reason (Miramax, 2000); Tupac Resurrection: In His Own Words (Paramount Pictures, 2003); 500 Years Later (Code Black Ent., 2008); Organized Noise (Netflix, 2017).

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:

  1. 1,076 pp. of required reading / viewing and listening [This assignment is related to learning outcome #, 1-5] [80 hours].
  2. Bi-daily response/reflection papers (3-5 pp.) (30%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome #1, 2, 3 & 5] [10 hours].
  3. A weekly reading/listening report/reaction outlining the student’s own (developing) perspective on hip hop culture and theology (1-2 pp.) (30%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome #1-5] [10 hours].
  4. A “cultural reading” project that interprets a particular cultural item from hip hop (approved by the professor) as it relates to hip hop culture and the future of the church (10-15 pp.) (40%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome #1, 3 & 5] [20 hours].
  5. Class hours [40 hours]

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Option to meet the TH5 requirement in the 120 MDiv Program. Meets interdisciplinary requirement (IDPL) for MACL (Integrative Studies).

FINAL EXAMINATION: None.

NOTE: This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. Textbook prices are set by publishers and are subject to change.