This is my second semester teaching Philosophy 444 (I Cram to Understand: Hip Hop, Sex, Gender and Ethical Behavior). It came out of discussions with MC Lyte and she was the co-instructor last term. I was only going to teach the class once a year but there was still interest so I am continuing it this semester. This is a flipped class, where most lectures, videos, etc. are viewed before class and then we have the time in class to work through issues and have rich discussions.
Skype has been an important tool. I have been able to have some great guests, including public intellectuals Michael Eric Dyson and James Peterson, Industry Ears founder Lisa Fager, and pastor of Impact Church in Atlanta, Rev. Olu Brown. Above, Attorney Deanne Arthur in San Diego spoke to us about a case where her client (Tiny Doo) is being tried on conspiracy charges for rapping about gang life. They are trying to tie him to some murders even though his lyrics are not about any specific crimes. This case has been covered by national media including CNN, so it was a coup to get her for class.
This past week journalist Rajul Punjabi stopped by to discuss issues including cultural appropriation. I was in New York for the UNCF meeting so I had to Skype in, which was cool because I could still hear her presentation and engage the class as well. There are just so many more options with technology these days.
I am looking forward to the rest of the semester. Killer Mike is coming to visit March 25th, hip hop industry exec Shanti Das will be here April 1st, and hopefully I can get a surprise guest in soon (hopefully this week!)
So I think I will teach the class every semester now. It is extra work, but it has been a great way to interact with students I might not normally meet. I have 17 this semester but going up to 24 in the fall. That might be the ceiling for enrollment.
Follow the class on Twitter using the hashtag #PHI444.
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