HIP-HOP LITERACIES, a four credit online (about 1/3 of the class sessions will be via the web), writing and technology intensive course, will examine the written expressions of Hip-Hop culture and deconstruct their meaning and impact.  Three distinct literacies can be identified within Hip-Hop:  Graffiti, rap music and spoken word poetry. This course will indoctrinate students to Hip-Hop culture (1974-2000) and then revisit each literacy for critical inquiry.   Utilizing a combination of text, multimedia (film clips, music, pictures distributed via DVD), and intellectual dialogue, we will explore each literacy in proper space and context.   Online portions of the course will employ discussion boards, live chats (based on class readings) and online literary critiques/reviews.   Finally, students will be required to attend 2 Hip-Hop related events as part of experiential learning.   .

Office Hours: ENT 4th Floor Conference Room, Monday/Wednesday 4.00 to 4.30 PM or by appointment Meeting Times: Enterprise Hall Room 279,Tuesday 4.30-7.20 PM  Course Web-site: http://classweb.gmu.edu/ajryan/hiphopliteracies_su05 Contact Information: 202.841.4090 ajryan[at]gmu.edu

Check it, fifteen of us in a three bedroom apartment
Roaches everywhere, cousins and aunts was there
Four in the bed, two at the foot, two at the head
I didn't like to sleep with Jon-Jon he peed the bed
Seven o'clock, pluckin roaches out the cereal box
Some shared the same spoon, watchin saturday cartoons
Sugar water was our thing, every meal was no thrill
In the summer, free lunch held us down like steel
And there was days I had to go to Tex house with a note
Stating "Gloria can I borrow some food I'm dead broke"
So embarrasin I couldn't stand to knock on they door
My friends might be laughin, I spent stamps in stores
Mommy where's the toilet paper, use the newspaper
Look Ms. Rose gave us a couch, she's the neighbor
For me to commit so they can unload
-- "All That I Got is You ", Supreme Clientele, Ironman