Complicated child star who never really grew up or genius entertainer? Skidmore University is offering a new sociology course called, “The Sociology of Miley Cyrus: Race, Class, Gender, and Media.” The class will explore Miley’s upbringing in a famous family, her time as a child star, and what happens to Disney stars once they grow up. From her Hannah Montana days to her more twerking on Bangerz, students will get a better look at why Destiny Hope is the way she is.
Rutgers University offers the course “Politicizing Beyoncé,” which is an opportunity for students to explore race, sex, gender and sexuality in America, and how it has been placed in Queen Bey’s music. Students can find a deepermeaning in Beyoncé’s oeuvre. Sasha fierce, Beyoncé’s alter ego, will also be a matter of discussion.
Georgetown University has “The Sociology of Hip-Hop: Jay Z,” a class that teaches students about African American culture and business. (He is of course, a business, man.) Readings include Jay Z’s own book, Decoded, and analysis of his mad lyrical flow.
The University of Missouri has a class scheduled for the fall semester that will focus on Kanye West and Jay Z. Even though it isn’t required, listening to Watch the Throne may behoove you. The history of the poetic form of English and its evolution into rap will be discussed, as well as what happens when two rap legends take a Parisian vacation together.
“Lady Gaga and the Sociology of Fame” is a course at the University of South Carolina. Curriculum will explore the “fame monster’s” rise to, well, fame. The syllabus hints that discussions will touch on marketing, religion, gay culture, sex, and gender.