AADS2182 · African and African Diaspora Studies
Morrissey College of Arts & Sciences
This course may be used to satisfy one of four electives required within the Communication major. In this class, we will critically examine the development of black popular culture from blackface minstrelsy in the 1800s to present day. While we will primarily focus on black popular culture in the United States, we will also consider the work of diasporic authors and artists and the international implications of American media. Readings will draw upon theories and concepts in media studies, cultural studies, and rhetoric to center our discussion of black popular cultural texts such as television shows, films, music, poetry, and fashion.
Course experience
Averages use the original five-point historical evaluation scale.
Organization
4.5 / 5
How well the course was organized
Challenge
4.4 / 5
How intellectually challenging students found it
Attendance
4.5 / 5
How necessary attendance was
Assignments
4.5 / 5
How helpful assignments were
Weekly effort
~3.5
hours per week
Estimated from the original workload response buckets. Individual sections may differ.
Instructor options
Ratings below reflect only recovered evaluations connected to this course.
Across time
Section-level results available in the recovered archive.
Spring 2025
1 sectionFall 2024
1 sectionFall 2023
1 sectionFall 2022
1 section