Course Description

Hip-hop has transformed from a marginalized subculture into a global cultural force, deeply ingrained in mainstream society and shaping everything from fashion to language. This course will critically explore hip-hop as a powerful source of knowledge, born out of systemic racial oppression and marginalization. We will trace its evolution, from its beginnings in the Bronx to the gritty realities of the 1990s, and examine its current influence as a global movement that shapes identity, politics, and social change. Through historical, sociological, and psychological perspectives, we will analyze how hip-hop has both reflected and influenced the cultural identities of individuals in the U.S. and worldwide. The course will also explore the personal and collective identities fostered within hip-hop culture to better understand its impact. Students will engage with hip-hop’s role in challenging dominant narratives, promoting resilience, and fostering community. The course will culminate in a final project where students will synthesize their insights on how hip-hop continues to redefine culture in the 21st century. By the end of the course, students will be equipped to critically engage with hip-hop not just as music, but as a vibrant cultural and intellectual force.

   

Course Overview

In addition to the general education and quantitative literacy goals, there are also several objectives which are specific to this course. These guiding questions and skill objectives will help students navigate the course content and develop a deeper understanding of hip-hop as both a cultural phenomenon and a form of intellectual engagement. 

Guiding Questions 

1. How do the historical and cultural roots of hip-hop inform its current global influence? 
2. In what ways does hip-hop serve as a platform for expressing and shaping cultural identity? 
3. How does hip-hop challenge societal norms and empower marginalized communities? 
4. What is the role of hip-hop in global culture, and how has it influenced areas like fashion, language, and social movements? 
5. How can hip-hop be understood as a dynamic and evolving knowledge base that reflects and responds to social, political, and economic conditions?

Skill Objectives 

1. Critical Analysis: Analyze and critique hip-hop lyrics, videos, and cultural practices to understand their deeper meanings and societal impacts. 
2. Historical Contextualization: Situate hip-hop within its historical and cultural contexts, tracing its evolution from its origins to its current global status. 
3. Cultural Interpretation: Interpret the ways in which hip-hop reflects and shapes personal and collective identities, particularly within marginalized communities. 
4. Research and Synthesis: Conduct research that synthesizes historical, cultural, and theoretical perspectives on hip-hop to produce informed analyses and arguments. 
5. Communication: Clearly articulate insights and arguments in written, oral, and multimedia formats, engaging thoughtfully with peers in discussions and collaborative projects. 

*This course fulfills the Race and Diversity GenEd requirement 

**A grade of C- is required to receive credit

GenEd Area Goals (Optional)

https://bulletin.temple.edu/undergraduate/general-education/#GenEd_Courses

Technology Requirements

This course is conducted entirely online and follows an asynchronous format, meaning there are no scheduled class meetings. However, to fully participate in the course and complete assignments, you will need the following: 

• A reliable computer with internet access for course materials and assignments. 
• A device with a camera (such as a phone, tablet, or webcam) to complete specific assignments that require video or image submissions. 

Please ensure your devices are functioning properly to avoid any disruptions in completing your coursework. While this class is asynchronous, assignment due dates are not flexible. Please give yourself ample time to identify and address any technological issues you may be experiencing before an assignment is due

 

Course Communications

Instructor: Ms. Lauryn Obozian, Adjunct Professor 

Email: lauryn.obozian@temple.edu 

Office hours: By Request

My preferred method of communication is through email. During the semester, I will generally respond to emails within 24 hours of receiving them during the week and within 48 hours on weekends. 

Students can generally expect assignments to be graded within 7 days of submission.

Course Technology Requirements

You will need the following to participate fully in the course:

• A computer and/or tablet with high-speed Internet access. A smartphone alone will not be sufficient.

  Recommended Internet Speed: 8mbps download & 5mbps upload. You can test your connection at https://www.speedtest.net. Please note: Hard-wired connections are more consistent than Wi-Fi for Zoom sessions.

• A web-enabled video camera and microphone.

• Access to Temple University’s Canvas site and email server.

• Microsoft Office. A free copy is available to you at https://its.temple.edu/office-365

  

This course requires the use of Canvas, including access to materials and assignment submission. Some videos posted via Canvas will require the use of speakers. The instructor may utilize web-conferencing tools to deliver synchronous material. In order to participate in synchronous sessions (should they exist), you should have a computer, a webcam, headphones, and a microphone.

This course requires the use of Microsoft Office (i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint). To access these materials, please log in to TUportal and look for the Microsoft Download link under TUapplications within the My Portal tab.

Students should check their Temple email daily for course updates. 

All students are required to comply with  Temple University’s Computer and Network Security Policies.

Limited resources are available for students who do not have the technology they need for class. Students with educational technology needs, including no computer or camera or insufficient Wi-Fi access, should submit a Student Technology Assistance Application in TUPortal and linked from the Dean of Students Support and Resources webpage. The university will endeavor to meet needs, such as with a long-term loan of a laptop or Wifi device, a refurbished computer, or subsidized internet access. The Affordable Connectivity Program is available to purchase discounted internet services and devices for qualified individuals. 

On-campus computer labs are available for student use. Here is a list of all of these labs: https://its.temple.edu/computer-labs.

Note that technology resources are available for students, including laptop and battery share. Some software is available for free download on the ITS Academic Support page. Other specialty software may be available for remote access through ITS.

Grading Scale

A Range	B Range	C Range	D Range	F Range
A  93 - 100	B+ 87 - 89.49	C+ 77 - 79.49	D+ 67 - 69.49	F 0 - 59
A- 90 - 92.49	B  83 - 86	C  73 - 76	D  63 - 66
	B- 80 - 82.49	C- 70 - 72.49	D- 60 - 62.49

 

C- or better is required to fulfill the GenEd area requirement. 

Assignment Descriptions

This course is structured to immerse you in the study of hip-hop as both a cultural and intellectual force. Each assignment is designed to deepen your understanding and encourage active participation in the exploration of hip-hop’s influence and significance. 

1. Weekly Reflective Journal entry ("Remix and Reflect Journal Entry") 20 pts each | 6  total,  Each week, you will create a 3-5 paragraph journal entry that reflects on the material we’ve covered. This is your opportunity to engage critically with the content, drawing connections to the course’s guiding questions and relating the material to your own experiences. Your reflections should go beyond surface-level observations, providing thoughtful analysis and personal insight into the themes of the week. These journals will help you synthesize your learning and prepare for deeper discussions in group sessions. DUE: Tuesday, by 11:59pm ET. 
2. Recorded Group Chat (Cypher Sessions) 25pts each | 4 Cypher Session

At the end of each unit, you will participate in a recorded group chat, designed to simulate a “cypher,” where you and your classmates will engage in a collaborative dialogue about the themes of the unit. These sessions, lasting 15-20 minutes, are meant to foster a dynamic exchange of ideas, rather than individual presentations. By discussing and debating the material together, you will deepen your understanding of the course content and build on each other’s insight. 

3. Individual Song Analysis 75pts 

For this assignment, you will work individually to select a single hip-hop song and conduct a literary analysis focusing on the lyrics, themes, and associated visuals (music video, album art, etc). The analysis, presented in a 3-page paper, should connect the song’s content to the broader themes we’ve explored in class, demonstrating a deep understanding of the material. This is an opportunity to apply critical thinking skills and to articulate how specific elements of the song contribute to the larger cultural narrative within hip-hop. DUE: Sunday, by 11:59pm ET. 

4. Pair Album Analysis 100pts 

In this assignment, you and a partner will analyze a hip-hop album, examining both its lyrical content and visual elements such as music videos or album art. The aim is to explore how the album as a whole reflects and contributes to the themes discussed in class. Your analysis will include a 5-page paper, accompanied by a 5-minute recorded presentation. This assignment encourages collaboration and critical thinking, as you’ll need to synthesize your insights into a cohesive argument about the album’s cultural impact. DUE: Sunday, by 11:59pm ET. 

Group Artist Analysis 125pts 

For the final project, you will work in groups to conduct a comprehensive analysis of a hip-hop artist’s career, focusing on how their work reflects and evolves with the themes we’ve covered in class. This project includes a 7-page research paper and 10-minute recorded presentation which will require you to examine the artist’s body of work, exploring how their artistry addresses issues such as identity, social justice, and global influence. This project will allow you to synthesize all the knowledge and skills you’ve developed throughout the course, demonstrating your ability to critically engage with hip-hop as a cultural and intellectual phenomenon. The final submissions are due by Sunday,, by 11:59pm ET, with earlier milestones due throughout the semester. 

Each assignment is designed to help you build on the last, ensuring that you leave this course with a deep, nuanced understanding of hip-hop and its role in shaping and reflecting culture.

Course Minimum Grade

Although D- is a passing grade, a minimum grade of C- is required in General Education courses and, in many programs, courses required by the major.

For more information, please see Temple University's Academic Policies on Grades and Grading.

General Policies

All Temple University Academic Policies will be upheld.

The General Education Policies and Requirements details program expectations.

Attendance and Your Health

Students must attend and participate in classes according to their instructors’ requirements to achieve course learning goals. If you feel unwell or are under quarantine or in isolation because you have tested positive for the coronavirus, you should not come to campus or attend in-person classes or activities.

It is the student’s responsibility to contact their instructors to create a plan for participation and engagement in the course as soon as they can do so and to make a plan to complete all assignments in a timely fashion when illness delays their completion.

Incomplete

A student will be eligible for a grade of “Incomplete” only if the student: 1) has completed at least 51% of the work at a passing level, 2) is unable to complete the work for a serious reason beyond their control, and 3) files a signed agreement with the instructor outlining the work to be completed and the time frame in which that work will be completed. The student is responsible for initiating this process and all incomplete forms must be sent to the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs prior to the start of study days in that semester.  

Please refer to the following for further details: Temple University’s Incomplete Policy. (Policy #02.10.13). 

Withdrawal from the Course

If a student wishes to withdraw from a course, it is the student’s responsibility to meet the deadline for the last day to withdraw from the current semester.

See Temple University's Academic Calendar for withdrawing deadlines and consult the University policy on Withdrawals (Policy # 02.10.14). 

Statement on Academic Rights & Responsibilities

Academic Freedom: Freedom to teach and freedom to learn are inseparable facets of academic freedom. The University has adopted a policy on Student and Faculty Academic Rights and Responsibilities (Policy # 03.70.02) which can be viewed on the following page: http://policies.temple.edu/getdoc.asp?policy_no=03.70.02. 

   For more information, please visit https://diversity.temple.edu/.

Academic Honesty

Academic Misconduct: Students are expected to conduct themselves in a professional and ethical manner. Academic integrity is very important and cheating, plagiarism, copying, stealing, etc. will not be tolerated in any form. It is fine to consult with your peers but be sure to do your own work. In such cases of academic misconduct, a grade of F will be awarded for this class and all additional avenues of adjudication and punishment through the university will be pursued. 

***DO NOT CHEAT*** 

• This also goes for the use of AI. Do not let AI write your papers for you. Put in the effort. 
• If you feel like you want to cheat or are going to cheat, contact me. We can talk about it. 

Disability Disclosure Statement

Students with Disabilities: It is Temple University’s policy to provide reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities under the ADA. At the beginning of the semester, any student with a disability should inform the instructor, in confidence, before or after class or during office hours, if instructional accommodations or academic adjustments will be needed. Written documentation will be necessary. For more information about the ADA and academic accommodations or adjustments, contact the Office of Disability Resources and Services at (215) 204-1280. 

Technical Support 

For a listing of technical support services available to Temple University students, see the Tech Support page.

Live Chat or Request Help:  tuhelp.temple.edu.

Phone: 215-204-8000

Email:  help@temple.edu

Website: its.temple.edu

Location: The TECH Center, Room 106

Academic and Support Services

Temple University provides a variety of services to support you throughout your studies. Please take a moment to view these by visiting the Academic Support Services page.

The following academic support services are available to students:

• Student Success Center
• University Libraries
• Undergraduate Research Support
• Career Center
• Tuttleman Counseling Services
• Disability Resources and Services

  
If you are experiencing food insecurity or financial struggles, Temple provides resources and support. Notably, theTemple University Cherry Pantry and the Temple University Emergency Student Aid Program are in operation as well as a variety of resources from the Division of Student Affairs. 

Continuity of Instruction in the Event of Emergency

Students are to register for the TUAlert System to be made aware of University closures due to weather or other emergency situations and follow all additional university-wide emergency instructions. Students can register for this system on the Campus Safety Services website. Students registered for the class will be alerted to any alternate testing procedures and submission of assignment requirements from the instructor via email.

Please note that online classes are generally not affected by campus closures.    

Privacy Policy

Please see the links below to become familiar with the privacy policies for each of the following: 

• Temple University
• Canvas Instructure
• Zoom    

Course Schedule

Key Dates:

Tuesday, March 11th: First day of class 

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