EASTASN 220B: Rapping Peoplehood
How does rap music serve as a meaningful form of expression for ethnic minorities (Chi. shaoshu minzu) in contemporary China? This course explores the politics of minority identity in China through the lens of rap music performed by Tibetan, Mongol, Yi, and Uyghur artists in their native languages. It begins by contextualizing China's ethnic minorities and introducing rap music both as a global and localized cultural force. The course then proceeds to reveal rap as a form of social critique and rebellion by examining prevalent themes in minority rap, such as a sense of dispossession, dependency, marginalization, and profound loss. It concludes by exploring rap as a powerful tool for reasserting minority identity, communicating cultural pride, and reclaiming humanity and dignity amidst socio-political challenges. Through critical engagement with academic literature, immersion in the beats and rhythms of rap, and analysis of audience comments, this course provides a comprehensive underst
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How does rap music serve as a meaningful form of expression for ethnic minorities (Chi. shaoshu minzu) in contemporary China? This course explores the politics of minority identity in China through the lens of rap music performed by Tibetan, Mongol, Yi, and Uyghur artists in their native languages. It begins by contextualizing China's ethnic minorities and introducing rap music both as a global and localized cultural force. The course then proceeds to reveal rap as a form of social critique and rebellion by examining prevalent themes in minority rap, such as a sense of dispossession, dependency, marginalization, and profound loss. It concludes by exploring rap as a powerful tool for reasserting minority identity, communicating cultural pride, and reclaiming humanity and dignity amidst socio-political challenges. Through critical engagement with academic literature, immersion in the beats and rhythms of rap, and analysis of audience comments, this course provides a comprehensive understanding of how rap, as a music genre, cultural expression, and way of life, reconfigures social relationships and imaginaries, not only within minority communities but also between minority groups and the majority Han Chinese. This course develops a nuanced understanding of how rap music transcends mere entertainment to become a potent force for social commentary, cultural resistance, and minority identity assertion in East Asia.
Terms: Aut
| Units: 2
Instructors:
Tso, B. (PI)
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