Want to study Beyoncé this fall? We don’t blame you. The Department of Drama and Speech Communication is offering a course focused entirely on the mega superstar, entitled Gender and Performance (DRAMA 282).
Perhaps it is the mutability of her voice, the impenetrability of her image, the careful choreography of her public persona and the astute manipulation of audio, visual and audio-video mediums that position Beyoncé as one of the most influential performers of the 21st century. Eponymously titled, the “Beyoncé” album is a vexing articulation of contemporary mainstream feminism that has captivated audiences worldwide.
The course will be offered in Fall 2015 to all students and has no prerequisites. Students will analyze videos from Beyoncé’s most recent album, use feminist and critical race theories to reflect on the artist’s work and create their own artistic responses.
Instructor Professor Naila Keleta-Mae says that “whether or not feminist scholars, activists or artists agree with Beyoncé’s discourse, her influence on popular culture is undeniable. I would argue that it would be negligent for those of us interested in gender studies to dismiss the album ‘Beyoncé’ or its principal artist.”
Don’t let the course name fool you; this class is all about Beyoncé. “I'm over being a pop star. I don't wanna be a hot girl. I wanna be iconic.” - Beyoncé
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